NOIA Applauds Nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke as Next Interior Secretary

RandallLuthi_webFor Immediate Release: Thursday, December 15, 2016
Contact:  Nicolette Nye, (202) 465-8463, nnye@nullnoia.org

NOIA Applauds Nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke as Next Interior Secretary

 Washington, D.C.National Ocean Industries Association President Randall Luthi today issued the following statement on the nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke for Secretary of the Interior:

“NOIA applauds the nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke, a strong advocate of commonsense federal energy policies, to be the next Secretary of the Interior.  The Department of the Interior (DOI) has jurisdiction over millions of acres that provide natural beauty, recreation and energy development.  The Secretary can play a great part in providing energy security, economic development and recreational opportunities for all Americans.

“We look forward to Rep. Zinke bringing back balance in the multiple-use of public lands, both on and offshore.  As a Member of Congress representing Montana, a state with almost 30 percent of its land under federal jurisdiction, Rep. Zinke is keenly aware of the importance of issues surrounding public lands, and these issues are front and center at the Interior Department.  As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Zinke has been an advocate for an all-of-the-above energy strategy for our country. Furthermore, as a former Navy SEAL commander, he understands the national security benefits of American energy production. Increasing access to energy resources on our public lands, both on and offshore, lowers our reliance on energy from foreign countries that may not necessarily share American values.

“One key role the Interior Department plays is that of manager of the mineral resources of the federal offshore.  About a quarter of America’s domestically-produced oil and natural gas comes from the offshore, and the industry is the second highest contributor to federal coffers, next to income taxes.  For these reasons, and many others, we hope that the Interior Department, under the leadership of Ryan Zinke, will re-assess the next Five Year Offshore Leasing Program, which, under the current Administration, keeps over 85% of America’s federal offshore areas off limits for oil and natural gas leasing.

“A strong offshore energy program is fundamental to our nation’s energy, economic and national security. We are confident that Rep. Zinke will lead the Department in a manner that will recognize America’s true energy potential, and NOIA’s members stand ready to work with him in supporting a well-balanced energy policy that promotes increased access to oil, gas and wind resources on the outer continental shelf and enhances the recreational opportunities that the U.S. outer continental shelf can provide.”

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ABOUT NOIA

NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf.  NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises about 300 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.

National Ocean Industries Association
1120 G Street, NW • Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202.347.6900 | Email: media@nullnoia.org