Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Reflects on Legacy of Conservation and Renewable Energy Initiatives

As Interior Secretary Deb Haaland prepares to depart the Biden administration, she reflects on her tenure, emphasizing the lasting impact of the department’s conservation and renewable energy efforts.

Haaland expressed confidence that these initiatives, particularly in land conservation and renewable energy promotion, will endure, thanks to the support of skilled attorneys and strong community backing.

She also voiced skepticism about the incoming Trump administration’s ability to reverse the progress, especially concerning wind energy projects, citing existing rights and significant investments in the offshore wind industry.

Haaland, who has been a staunch advocate for Native American communities and climate action, stated her future plans involve continuing to support these causes. While she declined to provide specific details on her next steps, she hinted at supporting organizations that align with her advocacy work. Haaland also refrained from commenting on potential political aspirations, including a possible run for governor of New Mexico, citing her current position within the administration.

During her leadership at the Interior Department, Haaland oversaw significant initiatives to reduce fossil fuel production on federal lands, address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, and advance the preservation of national monuments.

Despite facing contentious decisions, like the approval of the Willow drilling project, she maintained that science and law guided her department’s actions. Haaland also took pride in being the first Indigenous cabinet secretary, a role that she believes fulfilled a long-overdue promise to elevate Native American representation at the highest levels of government.

Ultimately, Haaland expressed immense pride in the achievements of her tenure, particularly in the way the administration amplified the voices and needs of Indigenous communities. “Indian Country has felt neglected and underfunded,” she said, “and now they really have had a real seat at the table this term.”

 

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