** Biden's top contenders for energy and environment posts
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Friday, December 4, 2020
Former Interior Deputy Secretary Mike Connor (pictured in 2010 during his stint as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation during the Obama administration). Photo credit: Tami Heilemann, DOI Flickr ([link removed])

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to share the names of his top agency leadership and key advisors for climate, energy, and the environment in the coming days and weeks.

The good news for Biden is that he has a deep bench of qualified contenders ([link removed]) to consider for each position. The bad news is he faces an uphill battle to get his nominees confirmed by the United States Senate when his term begins in late January.

The New York Times ([link removed]) reported some of the names being considered for the top job at the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of Energy, and the White House Climate Change Coordinator.

Retiring New Mexico Senator Tom Udall's ([link removed]) name has been floated for the role of Interior Secretary for several months, as has New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland ([link removed]) , one of the first Native American women elected to Congress.

Joining the ranks of contenders with New Mexico ties is former Interior Deputy Secretary Michael Connor ([link removed]) . Mr. Connor would be extremely qualified ([link removed]) for the post as he worked at Interior throughout the Clinton and Obama administrations specializing in land, water, energy and Native American issues. Either Haaland or Connor would be a historic choice ([link removed]) as the first Native American to lead Interior and serve in a presidential cabinet.


** Recap of David Bernhardt's wildly destructive record
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David Bernhardt’s track record ([link removed]) is the most destructive of any Interior Secretary in recent memory. He has bent the rules in a race to benefit drilling and mining companies (his former clients), all while sidelining the public and vulnerable communities across the West. Many of these actions are already facing defeat in the court system, and others will lead to devastating consequences for public health, public lands, and wildlife in the years to come. Secretary Bernhardt will soon walk through the revolving door and look for employment in the private sector. As Bernhardt takes years of anti-conservation baggage and blatant contempt for Indigenous communities back to the private sector, the next administration will face the tall task of undoing the damage. ([link removed])
Quick hits


** Two more U.S. coal companies file for bankruptcy, plan asset sales
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S&P Global ([link removed])


** Biden's top contenders for Interior, EPA, CEQ and Energy leadership
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New York Times ([link removed])


** Rep. Neguse introduces legislation to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and protect America's biodiversity
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** Biden's plan for a "Civilian Climate Corps" aims to mobilize passionate young people
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Washington Post ([link removed])


** Recap of David Bernhardt's wildly destructive track record as Interior Secretary
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Westwise ([link removed])


** Senator Tom Udall says Biden win was the "best thing" that could happen for the planet
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HuffPost ([link removed])


** Former Interior Deputy Secretary Michael Connor being considered for top job at agency in Biden administration
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Opinion: Let's save 30% of our land and water for nature and for ourselves
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Tampa Bay Times ([link removed])
Quote of the day
Wildlife doesn't recognize state borders, so cross-jurisdictional collaboration when it comes to the management of wildlife, and when it comes to the protection of key wildlife corridors, is absolutely critical."
—Jesse Deubel ([link removed]) , Executive Director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation
Picture this


** @USFWS ([link removed])
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When you think of cactus you probably imagine a warm climate, but did you know some grow in the north? Despite extreme conditions, some prickly pear cactus grow less than 600 miles from the Arctic Circle! Photo courtesy of Alan Levine: [link removed] ([link removed])

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