Heritage Foundation President Jim DeMint released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke for secretary of the interior: 

“Pres.-elect Trump’s pick of Congressman Ryan Zinke sends a strong signal that the next administration is serious about economic development on public lands.  Once confirmed, Congressman Zinke should immediately get to work, undoing the vast anti-energy restrictions put into place by the Obama administration. These regulations, significantly limit offshore production, as well as, onshore oil and gas production. He should also undo the moratorium of coal leasing on federal lands and expand access, not just for energy development, but logging as well.

"Importantly, Congressman Zinke should work diligently to rein in the department’s overreach and embrace the role that states have to play in the management of our lands and natural resources.”