CONTACT:

Tanya Augustson, (202) 347-0228, taugustson@beef.org
Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org

U.S. Ranchers Voice Support for Interior Secretary Nominee

Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2006) – Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) support President Bush’s nomination of Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne as the new Department of Interior Secretary.

“We are confident that Gov. Kempthorne will carry on Secretary Gale Norton’s legacy in the Department of Interior by engaging and balancing all interests to come to positive solutions on resource issues,” says Jay Truitt, NCBA vice president of government affairs.  “Gov. Kempthorne has been a strong leader for wildlife and ranchers’ interests. He understands western issues, and we have complete confidence in his ability to manage the nation’s public lands.” 

In his role as Governor, Kempthorne has established a reputation as a strong leader on resource issues, working with Idaho’s cattle industry on endangered species, water rights, conservation, and public lands issues.

“Gov. Kempthorne understands that U.S. ranchers, who depend on the land and its resources for their livelihood, are actively working to protect and improve the environment every day and have done so for generations,” says Jeff Eisenberg, director of federal lands for NCBA and executive director of PLC. “It is extremely important for the Secretary of Interior to value the importance of multiple-use management of America’s public lands, and we are confident that Gov. Kempthorne is up to the task.”

“The Governor has been extremely active with resource issues in Idaho,” says NCBA member and Idaho producer Brenda Richards.  “He is very good at working with people from the ground up.  He worked to resolve a longstanding water rights issue, better manage the local wolf population, and further the President’s Healthy Forests Initiative.”

“He understands the importance of building a proactive working relationship with U.S. ranchers on the ground,” says Truitt. “We appreciate Gov. Kempthorne’s hands-on leadership style, welcome his Western sensibility to the Department of Interior, and look forward to working with him in the future.” 

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry. Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.