American Petroleum Institute supports Trump choice for Interior secretary

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently supported President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), who currently sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, for secretary of the Interior.

“As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee and a fifth generation Montanan, Congressman Zinke knows the great potential that our federal lands hold when it comes to developing our nation’s energy resources, and he knows that this is good for American jobs and strengthening our national security,” API President and CEO Jack Gerard said.

API cited Zinke's former military service as qualification for the Cabinet position based on the link between national security and energy security as the secretary of the Interior presides over decisions related to uses of federal land.

“As a former member of our armed forces who served as a U.S. Navy Seal for over two decades, Congressman Zinke knows that our nation’s energy security and national security are dependent upon each other," Gerard said. “We look forward to working with Congressman Zinke is his new role on policies that will keep energy affordable, create jobs, and protect our environment as we lead the world in the production and refining of oil and natural gas while reducing carbon emissions.”