FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2020

MCV: Rep. Deb Haaland is exactly the type of experienced public lands champion we need

President-Elect Biden nominates Secretary of Interior

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) — Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Deputy Director Whitney Tawney in response to President-Elect Joe Biden’s announcement of his nominee for Secretary of the Interior, Congresswoman Deb Haaland of New Mexico:

“Rep. Deb Haaland is the experienced conservation champion we need at the helm of Interior. She will protect Montana’s outdoors by defending our natural resources and expanding our access to public lands. Without a doubt, this is a historic nomination and as the first indigenous leader to serve in a presidential cabinet, we couldn’t be more excited to work with Rep. Haaland as the federal government’s top liaison to tribal governments. We hope Senator Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines will support this sound nomination.”

As Interior Secretary, Congresswoman Haaland will oversee over 500 million acres of public land and uphold the federal government’s commitments to Native American tribes.

Supported by access to public lands, Montana’s outdoor recreation economy sustains 71,000 Montana jobs and generates more than $7 billion in economic activity in Montana each year.

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