SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Mike Noel is submitting paperwork to be considered as director of the Bureau of Land Management under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Rep. Noel, R-Kanab, is submitting his resume and information to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, a spokeswoman for the Utah House of Representatives Majority Caucus confirmed to FOX 13 on Tuesday, adding that he has support from the governor’s office, Sen. Orrin Hatch and other state leaders.
Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, challenges members of the Grand County Council during a presentation at Dead Horse Point State Park in September 2015. (Photo by Todd Gilbert, FOX 13 News)
Rep. Noel, who previously worked for the BLM, has long been a champion of rural Utah issues in the legislature. He has also often found himself clashing with the federal government and environmental groups on land policy and access issues.
Most recently, he attended arguments at the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of San Juan County Commissioner Phil Lyman and Monte Wells, who are seeking to have their convictions overturned for the 2014 Recapture Canyon protest ride.
In an interview with FOX 13 at the time, Rep. Noel suggested federal lands issues might be changing quickly under Trump’s administration.
House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper. (FOX 13 file image)
Noel is not the only lawmaker to be considered for a role in a Trump White House.
House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, is meeting this week with transition team members. He had been rumored for consideration as Transportation Secretary and had been asked to submit information. However, that cabinet position went to Elaine Chao. Hughes may still be in the running for another job within the new presidential administration.
