Nomination of Idaho’s Ryan Nelson Clears Senate Committee, Advances to Floor for Vote

Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch congratulated Ryan Nelson of Idaho after his nomination to become Department of Interior (DOI) Solicitor passed unanimously out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today.  His nomination has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.  

“I welcome the Energy Committee’s approval of Ryan Nelson to serve as the Solicitor for the Department of Interior,” said Senator Crapo.  “With his solid legal credentials and having worked on a wide-range of policy issues in Idaho, Ryan’s background and experience have prepared him well to serve our nation in this role.  Additionally, he will bring a point of view to the Department of the Interior that is critical given the agency’s jurisdiction over significant portions of Idaho and the western United States.  Together with Senator Risch, I will work to bring his nomination to the full Senate for swift consideration.”

“I look forward to seeing an Idahoan who understands western issues at DOI,” said Senator Risch, who sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Senator Crapo and I will work with our colleagues in the Senate to bring his nomination to the floor for a vote as quickly as possible.”

Ryan Douglas Nelson of Idaho has worked in all three branches of the federal government. He served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, where he managed the natural resource, wildlife and appellate sections of the Division, and as Deputy General Counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget. He also served as Special Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as a law clerk for the Senate Legal Counsel. Nelson is a seasoned attorney with broad experience advising government and corporate executives in the public and private sector. Nelson was an associate at Sidley Austin and is currently General Counsel for Idaho-based wellness company, Melaleuca, Inc. He has argued 13 federal courts of appeals cases on complex environmental and constitutional issues. Nelson currently resides in his hometown of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

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