03.21.13

Cantwell Votes with Energy Committee to Approve Sally Jewell for Interior Secretary

Cantwell: “It’s a very proud moment for us’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) helped secure key committee approval of Sally Jewell’s nomination to be the next Secretary of the Department of Interior. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee voted 19-3 this morning to approve Jewell’s nomination, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Jewell is chief executive of Recreational Equipment Inc. and a resident of Washington state. 

“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my colleagues for their votes in support of Sally Jewell,” Cantwell said at today’s hearing. “And I know that she will be a very balanced Interior Secretary working with people on many thorny issues because she’s witnessed many thorny issues in the Pacific Northwest. So it’s a very proud moment for us. And I would just remind people that it’s also a reminder that our interior really does go all the way to the Pacific Ocean. And I would say the Arctic Ocean as well. To have somebody who is steeped in those interior issues will be helpful to the entire committee process. So thank you.”

Watch a video of Cantwell’s remarks today.

During Jewell’s nomination hearing on March 7, Cantwell strongly endorsed Jewell while introducing her to the ENR committee, and defended her against attacks regarding her membership on the board of the National Parks Conservation Association. Later in the hearing, Cantwell asked Jewell about issues impacting the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which would fall under Jewell’s jurisdiction if confirmed as Interior Secretary. Cantwell
secured a commitment from Jewell that she would protect treaty rights and incorporate Tribal input into resource-use decisions. Cantwell also asked Jewell about increasing energy production on Tribal lands as well as diversifying renewable energy production on public lands. Cantwell is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Video of Cantwell’s remarks made during the March 7th hearing is available here.

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