Zinke confirmed as Interior secretary

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, was confirmed March 1 as secretary of the Interior by a 68-31 vote.

“I am hopeful that Rep. Zinke’s confirmation will mark the start of a new era for the Department of the Interior that is defined by greater cooperation with Congress, the states, and the local residents affected by its decisions,” U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said in a statement. “This is particularly important for Alaska, which has more at stake and is more deeply affected by this Department than any other part of our country. I congratulate Rep. Zinke on his confirmation, am eager to work with him to restore balance to the management of federal areas, and cannot wait to bring him to our state.”

Murkowski chairs both the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Appropriations Interior-Environment Subcommittee.

Gov. Bill Walker also applauded Zinke’s confirmation, and congratulated the secretary.

“As a state where more than 65 percent of land is controlled by the federal government, it is crucial that the Interior Department understand the nuances of Alaska, and the issues we face. Our administration looks forward to working with Secretary Zinke and members of his department in the years ahead,” the governor said.

- Petroleum News