Ryan Zinke in Ballotpedia.org political website
On Energy & Oil:
Climate is changing; Man is an influence but what can we do?
Asked by Bernie Sanders whether he thought climate change was a hoax, Zinke said, "Climate is changing. Man is an influence. I think where there's debate on it is what that influence is and what can we do about. As the [head of] the Department of the
Interior, I will inherit, if confirmed, the US Geological Survey. We have great scientists there. I'm not a climate science expert, but I can tell you I'm going to become a lot more familiar with it. And it will be based on objective science."
Source: Ballotpedia.org: 2017 Trump transition confirmation hearings
Jan 18, 2017
On Environment:
Absolutely against transfer or sale of public land to states
Zinke's stance on federal lands was questioned during his 2016 campaign for re-election to the U.S. House. In the past, Zinke has opposed selling federal lands to the states for management.
He has, however, supported efforts to transfer some management of public lands to individual states. During his hearing, Zinke stated, "I am absolutely against transfer or sale of public land."
Source: Ballotpedia.org: 2017 Trump transition confirmation hearings
Jan 18, 2017
On Environment:
Smokey the Bear should be viewed as helpful, not as police
In response to Jeff Flake's (R-AZ) questions on coordination between federal enforcement and local residents, Zinke said, "I grew up where Smokey the Bear was revered. Who could not like Smokey the Bear? And now, in some parts, it's feared. When they
see Smokey the Bear, they think law enforcement rather than managing our forests. We have to come together to make sure our team out there is viewed as helpful." When Al Franken (D-MN) jokingly asked if Smokey is real, Zinke affirmed, "He's real to me."
Source: Ballotpedia.org: 2017 Trump transition confirmation hearings
Jan 18, 2017
On Government Reform:
Work with states and rebuild national parks
Zinke was nominated for secretary of the interior; here is what we learned from Zinke's hearing with the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Zinke described his three broad goals if he is confirmed: "The first is to restore trust by
working with rather than against local communities and states. I fully recognize that there is distrust, anger, and even hatred against some federal management policies. Being a listening advocate rather than a deaf adversary is a good start.
Second, is to prioritize the estimated $12.5 billion in backlog of maintenance and repair in our National Parks. The President elect is committed to a jobs and infrastructure bill, and I am going to need your help in making sure that bill includes
shoring up our Nation's treasures. And third, to ensure the professionals on the front line, our rangers and field managers, have the right tools, right resources, and flexibility to make the right decisions that give a voice to the people they serve."
Source: Ballotpedia.org: 2017 Trump transition confirmation hearings
Jan 18, 2017
Page last updated: Sep 02, 2024