December, 16 2020, 11:00pm EDT
350.org on Biden's Selection of Rep. Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary
WASHINGTON
President-elect Joe Biden has officially appointed New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior. This makes Haaland, a member of the Pueblo Laguna tribe, the first Indigenous person to serve in a presidential Cabinet ever. Haaland brings her experience as chairperson of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands to this role. The Secretary of the Interior stewards public lands, national parks, endangered species habitats, and oil and gas drilling sites, and houses the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education.
350.orgAssociate Director of Policy Natalie Mebane gave the following response:
"An Indigenous-led, nationwide movement came together to urge Biden to appoint Deb Haaland, and he listened. Haaland is an experienced leader, who models a true commitment to Native leadership and climate justice. She is without a doubt the right person to lead the Interior. It is high time that an Indigenous leader be steering policy in the President's cabinet. Haaland's appointment is historic and we honor the symbolism of this appointment for Indigenous communities whose lands have been stolen, and who have been silenced, murdered, and sidelined for centuries."
"On Day 1, Haaland must stop fossil fuel extraction on public lands, including in the Arctic Refuge. We will work with Haaland to ensure a just and equitable transition to a regenerative, people-powered economy. Haaland's leadership will help us protect our public lands, respect treaty rights, and ensure adequate treaty consultation. We, the people, will secure the future we deserve."
350 US launched the Cabinet Climate Test, including an endorsement of Rep. Haaland for Secretary of the Interior. 350 US is committed to demands for Indigenous sovereignty and #LandBack.
350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
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