Heinrich Meets with Department of Interior Nominee Sally Jewell

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, released the following statement after meeting with Secretary of the Interior nominee Sally Jewell:

"Secretary of the Interior nominee Sally Jewell and I met today in my office to discuss issues important to New Mexico, including conservation and renewable energy development, and her qualifications and vision for the Department of Interior.

"As an engineer and business executive, there's no question that Sally has a keen knowledge of the nexus that exists between outdoor recreation and the economy--when one flourishes, so does the other. We had a productive conversation about protecting New Mexico's special places. I shared with her that there is overwhelming community support to establish the Río Grande del Norte National Monument near Taos and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument outside of Las Cruces.

"I was pleased to learn that she shares my commitment to increasing safe and accessible green spaces, and her understanding of the key role and stewardship the Department of Interior plays in honoring the commitments to our nation's Indian tribes.

"I look forward to being actively involved in Sally's confirmation process in the coming weeks."

Source