WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after meeting today with U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Interior. Senator Carper’s statement on the announcement of Congresswoman Haaland’s historic nomination can be found here.

“After meeting with Congresswoman Haaland, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of the Interior, I can’t help but feel optimistic. Our public lands are precious, and we need a Secretary of Interior who will protect them rather than bid them off for oil drilling. We also need someone who will help our country address the incredible threat that climate change poses—to our coastlines, our birds and fish, our forests and mountains. These adverse threats are not off in the distance. They are here now. 

“I believe Congresswoman Haaland is uniquely qualified to serve as Secretary of Interior during this critical moment. As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, she has built a strong reputation working with her colleagues as a seeker of solutions. Her bold leadership is what the Department of the Interior needs to tackle the monumental challenge of preserving the natural world around us for future generations. I hope my Senate colleagues will join me in a fair and fast consideration and confirmation of her historic nomination to become our nation’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary.”

 

###