President-elect Donald Trump has been meeting with politicians who may be in the running to lead the Interior Department.
Today, Trump met with Oklahoma Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, who has been a rumored contender for the Interior post.
Fallin, who’s been in office since 2011, has been a staunch supporter of the fossil fuel industry and says she supports expanding renewable energy sources like wind power. She’s the former chairwoman of the National Governors Association and served as a House member from Oklahoma.
Fallin has criticized the Obama administration’s policies for energy production on public lands and would likely aim to limit regulatory hurdles for energy producers if she’s picked as Interior secretary.
Trump discussed public lands issues with several other visitors over the weekend, according to his transition team.
He and Vice President-elect Mike Pence met yesterday with the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J.
They discussed "the optimization of federal lands across the country, energy exploration and mining," according to a summary of their meeting.
The Washington state lawmaker’s website calls for a "bold, comprehensive energy plan for the 21st century." The "basic principle of that plan should be ‘more of everything.’ Especially, more hydropower, and more energy research."
Trump and Pence also met yesterday with T.W. Shannon — former Oklahoma House speaker and the first African-American to hold that job.
Their conversation touched on "transportation, infrastructure and issues relating to Western land usage," according to the transition team.
It’s still unclear whether these politicians are finalists for Interior secretary or other top government jobs, although Trump does appear to be preparing to make announcements for additional Cabinet jobs.
He’s also meeting today with former Texas Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who is rumored to be in the running for Energy secretary (see related story).
After meeting with retired Gen. James Mattis on Saturday, Trump wrote on Twitter yesterday, "General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General’s General!"
