The leading contender for Interior secretary if Republican Donald Trump becomes president is Forrest Lucas of Indiana, the founder of Lucas Oil, says Politico, citing two sources familiar with the campaign’s deliberations. Lucas is a long-time opponent of biofuels and a founder of a group that challenges animal-rights organizations. He also is a member of Trump’s agriculture advisory committee.
Politico said Harold Hamm, of Oklahoma, chief executive of Continental Resources, “is seen as a possible pick for energy secretary under Trump. Iowa agribusinessman Bruce Rastetter, also on Trump’s agriculture committee, has been mentioned as a potential agriculture secretary.
“Lucas’ nomination would be a coup for the oil and gas industry, which has battled President Barack Obama’s Interior Department for years over everything from Endangered Species Act listings to access to federal lands for drilling,” said Politico. One source described Lucas as a front-runner for Interior and another said Lucas was among five people on a short list of people for the job. Donald Trump Jr. also has expressed interest in the cabinet post.