07.20.17

Sullivan Congratulates Balash on Interior Nomination

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today congratulated Joe Balash, the senator’s chief of staff, on his nomination by President Trump to become Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Mineral Management.

“While I’m sad to see Joe leave the Senate, his departure is a big gain for Secretary Zinke, the Department of Interior, the United States and Alaska,” said Senator Sullivan. “His wealth of knowledge and passion for Alaska – and more broadly, federal land issues – cannot be overstated. His advice and counsel on natural resource matters will be invaluable as Secretary Zinke and the Trump administration chart a new path toward American energy dominance. Alaska can and should be a critical element of this important national objective.”

Prior to his service in the Senate, Balash has served as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, an advisor to two Alaska governors, and in several positions in the Alaska Legislature. Balash’s nomination will first be considered by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Senator Lisa Murkowski.

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