WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today favorably reported the nominations of Governor Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy and Congressman Ryan Zinke for Secretary of the Interior to the full Senate for its consideration. Senator King released the following statement:

“While I do not agree with some of the positions held by Governor Perry and Congressman Zinke, after meeting with both of them privately and after questioning them before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I believe that they are committed to working with me in good faith on issues important to Maine and will offer unvarnished advice to the President, even if it runs counter to his beliefs.

“I particularly appreciate Congressman Zinke’s strong record of defending public lands, even when it was unpopular among others in his party, as well as his commitment to supporting the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that is critical to protecting land in Maine and supporting outdoor recreational programs for children across the state.

“My vote in support of them today, though, does not mean that I will relent in pushing them to do more on vital issues such as fighting climate change, which affects Maine more and more every year, or promoting clean, renewable energy sources that will benefit people throughout the state.

“I look forward to having Governor Perry visit the University of Maine to learn more about the great renewable energy-related work being done there, and having Congressman Zinke visit Acadia to work towards a resolution of the harvesting dispute, as they have both promised me they would do.”

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