Defenders of Wildlife Reacts to Ryan Zinke Departure

The following statement is from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, on the announcement of Ryan Zinke’s departure from the Department of the Interior at the end of this year:

“Secretary Zinke didn’t protect and conserve our nation’s wildlife and our public lands and waters, a fundamental responsibility the Secretary of the Interior owes to all Americans. During his tenure, he issued policies that would allow for extreme hunting practices for bears and wolves in Alaska, negligent killing of migratory birds and oil and gas drilling that threatens imperiled species across the country. At every turn, our nation’s outgoing natural resources chief prioritized development over conservation. Zinke has left a legacy of destruction in his wake.

We call upon President Trump to nominate a Secretary who will uphold the mission of the Department, follow federal ethics rules and truly protect our nation’s wild lands, waters and wildlife.”