04.10.13

Hoeven: Senate Confirms Jewell as Interior Secretary

Senator Encourages Secretary to Advance ND's Interests, Visit State

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today voted in favor of confirming Sally Jewell to be the next Secretary of the Department of Interior. The Senate confirmed Jewell in an 87-11 vote. Hoeven, last week, invited Jewell to visit North Dakota to see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the state in regards to federal lands, natural resources and Native American programs under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department.

“In meeting with Jewell last month, and during her testimony before the Energy Committee, she reassured me that she will support a true all-of-the-above approach to energy development on our public lands,” said Hoeven. “Secretary Jewell indicated her willingness to work with us to ensure we meet the challenges of jobs and development on our reservations. We look forward to working with her on these issues and others important to North Dakota and our nation.”

Specifically, Hoeven has asked Jewell to:

  • Work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Spirit Lake Tribe to address child protective services issues on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
  •  Work with him to cut red tape and move forward the Red River Valley Water Supply project. The project has been authorized by Congress but awaits a Record of Decision (ROD).
  • Work with Congress to promote a true all-of-the-above energy policy on federal lands. Energy development on private land has grown but is lagging on public lands due to bureaucracy and over-regulation.
  •  Ensure the Interior Department and its agencies streamline and simplify the energy permitting process so that the rules are clear, fair and certain.