Trump to nominate pro-drilling enthusiast to manage public lands and waters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Donald Trump is reportedly expected to nominate Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) to lead the Department of the Interior. In a leaked memo, Trump plans to expand oil and gas drilling on public lands and waters and lift the moratorium on new coal mining. During her time in office, Rep. McMorris Rodgers has consistently voted in favor of accelerating fossil fuel development and against the protection of wildlife and sensitive, natural areas.

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Marissa Knodel issued the following response:

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers would wield a rubber stamp for the fossil fuel industry. During her time in office, she has consistently voted to turn over public lands and waters to fossil fuel interests while undermining their protection. She’s also spoken out against regulating carbon pollution and denied tax incentives for renewables.

Representative McMorris Rodgers and Donald Trump seem determined to turn our public lands and waters into energy sacrifice zones. We need a responsible steward of our most scenic, sensitive public areas, not an auctioneer. Friends of the Earth is ready to oppose her nomination to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

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Expert contact: Marissa Knodel, (202) 222-0729, [email protected]
Communications contact: Kate Colwell, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]