Statement: With Rep. Deb Haaland at Interior, U.S. will be better positioned to meet ambitious conservation goals

Environment America applauds the nomination of a leader with impressive environmental credentials

Environment America

WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday announced U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland (NM) as his nominee for Secretary of the Interior in the incoming administration. Rep. Haaland serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and chairs the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee. 

In response, Steve Blackledge, senior director of the conservation program for Environment America, made the following statement: 

“America has protected special places in every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, from the Grand Canyon to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and from Acadia National Park to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 

“But the outgoing administration reversed course, opening public lands to mining, drilling and logging. It has proposed a massive drilling expansion off our coasts and worked to shrink the boundaries of monuments in Utah. We now need someone at the Interior Department who can correct the mistakes of the past four years, someone whose passions for the environment run deep.

“During her time on the House Natural Resources Committee and as chair of the National Parks, Forest and Public Lands Subcommittee, Congresswoman Haaland has demonstrated a deep commitment to America’s public lands. From her resolution calling for the protection of 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030 to her bill to protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments to her consistent votes in favor of the environment, Rep. Haaland has shown a deep conviction for protecting the lands that make America, America the Beautiful. 

“Rep. Haaland is a strong choice to help President-elect Biden fulfill his environmental agenda and we’re thrilled with her selection. We look forward to working with her.”

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Environment America is a national network of 29 state environmental groups. Our staff work together for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the United States put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which runs organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to getting things done.