Just a short while ago, Representative Deb Haaland became Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in an historic Senate vote. The confirmation makes her the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Western Colorado had supported Rep. Haaland’s nomination enthusiastically.

“With the confirmation of Representative Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior, we finally have a leader of integrity who will truly put our public lands first, protecting their irreplaceable heritage for the generations to come,” said Karen Rose, Alliance member. “With her background in military life, community service, and native heritage, Deb Haaland will bring a valuable and necessary perspective to this important position.”

Barbara Vasquez, also an Alliance member, said, ““Secretary Haaland’s appointment is a win for all Westerners. Western lands and landowners have been stretched thin by the previous administration’s prioritization of fossil fuel extraction above all other uses. With vast swaths of public land locked up for development and protections for the people who live on and rely on this land eviscerated, Secretary Haaland’s leadership could not be more timely and necessary. As a New Mexican and an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, she understands the need to reduce the impact of rampant oil and gas development on our land, air, water, and people. Requiring these corporations to pay for their cleanup and restoration rather than leaving the mess for us will put thousands of Westerners back to work while protecting our farmland, forests, and rivers.”

The final vote to confirm Rep. Haaland was 51-40. Vice President Kamala Harris did not need to break a tie, as Rep. Haaland received some bipartisan support.

Rep. Haaland has been a leading champion for many of our organization’s highest priorities, including advancing coal mine, hardrock, and oil and gas reclamation (among many environmental protections), addressing climate change, promoting renewable energy development, and ensuring action on the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous peoples. In particular, we applaud her leadership on legislation to cut methane pollution and protect the air, water, and health of western communities. Whether in her role as Chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, or as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Haaland has approached Native issues and natural resources issues with respect, passion, dedication, and inclusion. The Department of the Interior will greatly benefit from her direction. 

Photo: “Representative Deb Haaland (NM-01)” by Moms Clean Air Force is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0