Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2001

Contact: Mark Pfeifle (202) 208-6416

Norton Praises President Bush's Intention to Nominate Bill Myers
as Solicitor of the Department of the Interior

"Bill Myers' vast experience in conserving natural resources and finding common ground in public land issues will be a needed strength at the Interior Department," said Norton

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced President George W. Bush intends to nominate William G. Myers III, to serve as Solicitor for the Department of the Interior. The announcement is subject to confirmation by the United States Senate once the official nomination is made by the President.

"Bill Myers will bring vast legal experience in conserving natural resources and in finding and cultivating common ground on public land issues," said Norton. "Bill will be a tremendous asset at the Interior Department as we work to protect our national treasures for our children and for future generations."

Myers is an attorney with Holland & Hart in Boise, Idaho. Previously, Myers was executive director of the Public Lands Council and director of federal lands for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Myers was deputy general counsel for programs at the U.S. Department of Energy from 1992 to 1993 and assistant to the United States Attorney General from 1989 to 1992. Myers began his public service career as legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson (R-WY) in 1985.

Myers recently chaired the Idaho Federal Lands Task Force Working Group. He is the past vice chairman of the public lands committee for the American Bar Association's Environment, Energy and Resources section, and chairman of the state affairs and natural resources committee of the Boise Metro Area Chamber of Commerce.

Myers earned an A.B. from the College of William and Mary in 1977, and a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law in 1981. Myers is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Tenth Circuits, and state and federal courts in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

The Solicitor is the general counsel for the Department of the Interior. The Solicitor represents the Department in administrative and judicial litigation, and in meetings, negotiations, and other contacts with Congress, Federal agencies, States, Tribes, interest groups, and the public. The Solicitor drafts and reviews legislation, regulations, contracts, leases, permits, and correspondence for the Department.

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