Trump’s Interior Nominee Needs to Protect Parks

WASHINGTON – Below is a statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association, following news reports President-elect Trump has selected Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke to serve as Secretary of the Interior:

“For the last 100 years, Americans have visited and explored our national parks, stunning landscapes and rich pieces of our history set aside for future generations. It is up to all of us to protect our national parks, including the President-elect and his new Interior Secretary. Mr. Zinke has expressed support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, opposes the sale of public lands and has expressed concern over proposed mine development adjacent to Yellowstone. In contrast, Mr. Zinke has advocated for state control of energy development on federal lands, a move that threatens our national parks. Mr. Zinke has also repeatedly voted to block efforts to designate new national parks that would diversify the National Park System.

“If confirmed, our national parks will be the responsibility of Mr. Zinke. He will inherit a Park System that is more expansive, diverse and reflective of the American story than ever before, but also a system facing many challenges. It is critical that, if confirmed, Mr. Zinke address the needs of our national parks, with recognition of their immense benefits to our nation’s natural resources and cultural history. Our next president and Interior Secretary should embrace and uphold the values of our national parks, remembering that the decisions made today will be those that our children and grandchildren inherit.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.