Ryan Zinke Gets Job W. Mining Company Despite Lobbying Law; No Field Exp., But "Won't Be Lobbying"

[hatrack]

Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has a new job: a more than 100,000-a-year post with a gold-mining firm thats pursuing project approvals involving the federal agency that Zinke left fewer than four months ago.

Zinke told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his work for Nevada-based U.S. Gold Corp., which focuses on mining exploration and development, would not constitute lobbying. But that companys CEO cited Zinkes excellent relationship with the Bureau of Land Management and the Interior Department in explaining his hiring.

"We're excited to have Secretary Zinke help move us forward on two pending mining projects, in Nevada and Wyoming", Edward Karr, head of U.S. Gold Corp., said by phone. Karr said one of the mining projects is on land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, which is under the Interior Department. A 2017 executive order by President Donald Trump says executive-branch appointees cannot lobby their former agency for at least five years after leaving their government post.

EDIT

Zinke has a degree in geology from the University of Oregon. He never worked professionally in the field, instead becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. But he said his education and political involvement in Montana mining projects would be useful at U.S. Gold Corp.

EDIT

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/gold-mining-firm-hires-interior-secretary-62432223

[zipplewrath]

1. The Gingrich exemption

Newt never registered as a lobbyist. He just told the people who were registered what to do.