Trump to Nominate Congressman Zinke for Interior Secretary

US President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Republican congressman Ryan Zinke of the state of Montana as secretary of the interior, responsible for managing federal land and natural resources, Trump's transition team said in a release Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – According to the release, Zinke " has built one of the strongest track records on championing regulatory relief, forest management, responsible energy development and public land issues."

"I am pleased to nominate Congressman Ryan Zinke as our Secretary of the Interior," Trump is quoted as saying in the release.

Trump in the release praised Zinke for leadership skills honed as a member of the US Navy’s elite SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) force and said he will help the incoming administration work to repeal onerous regulations while leveraging natural resources to create jobs and wealth.

Zinke said he was honored and humbled to be nominated to serve in Trump’s administration.

"I will work tirelessly to ensure our public lands are managed and preserved in a way that benefits everyone for generations to come," the congressman stated in the release. Zinke’s nomination is subject to a confirmation vote in the Senate.