03.08.13

Hoeven to Interior Nominee Jewell: Work With Us on All-of-the-Above Approach to Energy

Senator Presses Jewell for Support for Red River Valley Water Supply Project

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week pressed Sally Jewell, President Barack Obama’s nominee to be the next Interior secretary, for assurances that if confirmed, she will work with Congress to promote a true all-of-the-above energy policy on federal lands. Hoeven also urged Jewell to work with him to move forward a congressionally authorized water project important to North Dakota.

“If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Jewell must work with us to promote a true all-of-the-above approach to energy development on our public lands,” said Hoeven. “That includes everything from expediting delayed energy permits to upholding states’ rights to manage hydraulic fracturing and citing wind and other important energy infrastructure. We received assurances from Ms. Jewell today that she understands the importance of a comprehensive approach to developing our resources.”

Energy development on private land has grown but is lagging on public lands owing to bureaucracy and over-regulation. Hoeven pressed Jewell to ensure that the Interior Department and its agencies streamline and simplify the energy permitting process so that the rules are clear, fair and certain.

Hoeven also asked Jewell to 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).

“This water project is important to communities in the Red River Valley and will ensure they have a quality water supply to meet their needs,” said Hoeven. “We need to move this project forward and it’s important that, if confirmed, Ms. Jewell helps us do just that.”

In a personal meeting with Jewell in February, Hoeven asked her 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.

Jewell has experience as an engineer, banker and businesswoman and has a background that includes working with both traditional and renewable energy projects.