We learned more about Congressman Ryan Zinke’s plans to run the Interior Department during his confirmation hearing Tuesday. The Montanan, who’s vying to run the department that oversees the management of national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands, professed his admiration for Theodore Roosevelt, whose legacy of conserving our national public lands lives on today.
While the desire to follow in Roosevelt’s footsteps is admirable, Zinke’s responses raised serious questions about whether he will conserve our public lands and bolster the outdoor economy or cater to the oil, gas, and coal companies that have donated to his political campaigns.
Throughout his career in Congress, Zinke has talked a good game about supporting our public lands and ensuring access for hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. He even resigned as a delegate to the Republican National Convention over an anti-public lands platform and has supported re-authorizing the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund.
However, actions speak louder than words.