Risch, Crapo Applaud Nomination of Ryan Nelson to Serve as Department of Interior Solicitor

Washington, D.C. - Following today’s announcement that the White House intends to nominate Ryan Nelson of Idaho to be Solicitor for the Department of Interior, Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo made the following statements: 

“We’re thankful to have a westerner who understands our issues nominated for this position,” said U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee overseeing this nomination. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to bring his nomination to the floor for a vote.”

“Ryan Nelson’s background is a strong fit for the U.S. Department of Interior as he has worked on a wide-range of policy issues important to both Idaho and to the nation,” said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo. “Combined with his strong legal background, Ryan will bring a point of view to Interior that is critically important given the agency’s jurisdiction over significant portions of the Western United States.  I congratulate Ryan on his nomination and will work with my Senate colleagues to advance his confirmation.”

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.

###