Statement on Haaland’s Nomination Advancing to the Full Senate

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power, issued the following statement after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee moved forward President Biden’s nomination of Deb Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior to the full Senate:

“Today’s vote brings Haaland one step closer to installing a climate and jobs champion at the helm of this critical agency and making history as the first Indigenous person to lead a Cabinet agency. The Senate Republicans attempting to stall Haaland’s nomination are not only standing in the way of progress for the right to clean air, clean water, and clean lands, but they are standing in the way of confirmation of a uniquely qualified leader. Haaland is committed to a climate, natural resources, and economic agenda that will create millions of good-paying union jobs, uphold Tribal Sovereignty, and put the peoples’ right to clean air and water before the profits of oil and gas companies.”

Throughout her two-day confirmation hearing, Haaland reiterated her commitment to bipartisanship, science, and environmental justice. As Secretary of the Interior, we can expect Haaland to bring an increased focus to Tribal sovereignty, protection of public lands, and ensuring the right to clean air and clean water. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in the Biden administration’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis while boosting the economy and creating millions of good-paying union jobs.

Haaland, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, would be the first Indigenous person to head a Cabinet agency.