Washington, D.C. — Today, by a bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed former New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland (D) as the next secretary of the Interior and the first Indigenous Cabinet secretary. In response, Center for American Progress Founder and Chair of the Board John Podesta and Senior Vice President for Energy and Environment Policy Christy Goldfuss released the following statement:
Deb Haaland is exactly the type of leader we need now. Not only has she made history as the first Indigenous Cabinet secretary, but she’s also a consensus builder with a strong bipartisan record of fighting for environmental justice, science, and the protection of our most iconic landscapes and cultural sites.
She has the experience and passion needed to oversee the Biden administration’s ambitious conservation goals. That includes conserving 30 percent of lands, waters, and ocean by 2030, while centering Indigenous leadership and climate resilience to protect our national treasures. For too long, tribal voices have not been heard at the top levels of government. As Interior secretary, Haaland will turn a new leaf in how the department works with tribal nations, honors our trust and treaty obligations, and improves life for Native communities. Haaland is committed to conservation, climate action, and helping all communities build back better, and we look forward to seeing her in action as secretary.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.