03.01.17

Hoeven Urges Interior Secretary to Balance Multiple Uses on Federal Lands, Avoid One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Energy Development

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) to be U.S. Secretary of the Interior:

“Having served Montana, Secretary Zinke understands the need for a balanced approach to land management. Throughout the confirmation process, I encouraged him to work with us to advance a range of land management priorities for North Dakota and the nation. These include taking a sensible approach to stewarding our national parks and public lands and ensuring multiple uses like grazing, energy development and recreation. I believe he recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to energy development on Bureau of Land Management lands doesn’t work for all states. BLM needs to work collaboratively to make sure that state and local regulators, businesses and other stakeholders have a voice in decision making.”

“I also believe Secretary Zinke has deep respect for our nation’s native peoples and will work to enhance their standard of living and quality of life. As chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I look forward to working with him on other pressing issues in Indian Country, including health care, housing and education.”

Secretary Zinke formerly represented Montana at large in the House of Representative and served on the House Committee on Natural Resources.

-###-