FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2021
DENVER—Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-1) completed her confirmation hearing to become Secretary of the Interior before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“Over the past two days, Congresswoman Haaland showed why she is eminently qualified to lead the Interior Department. In response to aggressive questioning, Haaland demonstrated a commitment to balance, public input, and listening to science—a breath of fresh air after the department was led by an oil lobbyist hellbent on drilling and mining our public lands.
“It is long past time that the Interior Department be led by a Native American. In detailing her lived experience and service in Congress, Haaland showed exactly why she is ready for the job. The Senate should act quickly to advance and approve Haaland’s historic nomination so she can get to work managing our parks and public lands on behalf of all Americans.”
Recent polling from the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project has found that Westerners support a wide range of conservation proposals and care deeply about clean air and water, wildlife, and public lands, regardless of party affiliation.