Secretary Haaland’s Confirmation Is a Historic Moment for Indigenous Peoples and for Conservation in the United States

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Washington, DC – Today the United States Senate voted to confirm Congresswoman Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Applauding the Senate’s vote, Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel Dunn issued the following statement:

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“As the first Indigenous woman to hold this level of public office in the United States, Secretary Debra Haaland will elevate a critical perspective and voice to the Department of the Interior and to the Administration. The United States must reconcile its historic legacy of oppressing and excluding Indigenous people and Tribal Nations, and the management of U.S. lands and natural resources is integral to that effort. We are confident Secretary Haaland will exercise equitable and thoughtful leadership in managing America’s public lands, waters and natural resources for the betterment and enjoyment of future generations.

“Chesapeake Conservancy looks forward to supporting Secretary Haaland as she and her team seek to implement the goal of conserving 30% of our land and waters by 2030 as set forth in President Biden’s Executive Order 14008. With 22% of the Chesapeake Bay watershed already conserved, we’re committed to achieving this important conservation milestone for the Chesapeake Bay and contributing to a national goal through partnerships and technology.”

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