Newhouse Statement on Secretary Zinke Announcement on Grizzly Bears in North Cascades

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced support for grizzly bear restoration in the North Cascades:

"I am disappointed that Sec. Zinke did not first speak with me about his support of reintroducing grizzly bears in the North Cascades," said Rep. Newhouse. "I reiterate that I hold the same position that I took after listening to my constituents. Local communities in Central Washington thought reintroducing grizzly bears was a bad idea when proposed by the previous administration, and it would be just as bad an idea if entertained by the current administration. The federal government should listen to and respect the local community."