Washington, D.C. – Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland (NM-01) to lead the U.S. Interior Department, making her the first indigenous person to be chosen for a presidential cabinet position. If confirmed, Rep. Haaland will play a critical role in the fight for climate justice, spearheading efforts to combat climate change, protect tribal lands, restore environmental protections and implement renewable energy solutions.
Sanaa Abrar, Advocacy Director of United We Dream Action, said:
“Today’s news is a historic and triumphant moment for activists, indigenous leaders and environmental groups who have been leading the climate justice movement. United We Dream Action endorsed Rep. Haaland when she first ran for Congress because we knew that her fierce advocacy for bold, progressive climate solutions and commitment to immigrant communities is exactly the type of leadership our country needs.
For far too long, indigenous communities have been among the hardest hit by climate change, with private oil and gas companies devastating tribal lands and continuing to value profit over people. If confirmed as the first Native American person to lead as Secretary of the Interior, Rep. Haaland will be a much-needed advocate and ally for the health and safety of our most vulnerable communities who have been consistently hurt by reckless decision-making that has exacerbated the current climate crisis.”