Luján Applauds Interior Secretary Nominee Deb Haaland Following Confirmation Hearing

Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on Congresswoman Deb Haaland’s nomination to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Congresswoman Haaland was introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska).

“Congresswoman Deb Haaland is a close friend and colleague of mine, whom I know to be a strong leader for America’s public lands, natural resources, and Tribal Nations, Pueblos, and Native communities. As we saw during her confirmation hearing today, there is support on both sides of the aisle for Congresswoman Haaland’s historic nomination to serve as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary.

“As a Member of Congress and former Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Haaland knows what it takes to responsibly tackle the climate crisis and utilize the clean energy potential of public lands to create, good-paying jobs and opportunities. Today, she laid out her vision to protect our natural resources for generations to come and how she’ll work with Congress and the American people to make that happen.

“I’m confident that Congresswoman Haaland, a fellow New Mexican, will lead the Interior Department with honor and integrity. I look forward to casting my vote for her nomination.”

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