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As Congresswoman Deb Haaland sits down for her confirmation hearing to become America's first Native American secretary of the Interior this morning, her allies will be watching for a pattern from her critics. Senators who announced early opposition to Haaland's nomination cited her “extreme” or “radical” views on public lands and energy policy—a level of criticism they seem to reserve for women of color.
Montana State Senator Shane Morigeau, a member of the Salish and Kootenai tribes, told Politico that Haaland “became an easy target because we haven’t gotten to this place in our country where we give — especially women and people of color — a fair shot.”
Former U.S. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid agreed, taking aim specifically at Senator Steve Daines of Montana in an op-ed today. Daines “claims these Indigenous values are radical; they are not,” Reid wrote. He noted that Daines supported the nomination of William Perry Pendley—someone who had frequently denigrated Native American religious practices—to lead the Bureau of Land Management under President Trump. Reid added, “The American people know what is best for the Interior Department’s leadership, and it is in Haaland.”
Haaland’s confirmation hearing is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am Mountain Time today. Watch the live stream, or follow along with CWP's live tweets.
Culver heads to BLM
The Biden administration announced Monday that Nada Culver, one of the top conservation attorneys in the country, will be the Deputy Director for Policy and Programs at the Bureau of Land Management. Culver, who most recently worked at the Audubon Society, will take over a role last filled by William Perry Pendley, who a judge said served unlawfully after President Trump failed to nominate a BLM director for the entirety of his presidency. Culver has also been a regular guest on CWP's podcast; in 2018, she talked about the sage-grouse's uncertain future in the West.
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Rep. Haaland’s nomination is both historic and long overdue. If confirmed, she would be the first Native American Cabinet member. Her record is in line with mainstream conservation priorities. Thus, the exceptional criticism of Rep. Haaland and the threatened holds on her nomination must be motivated by something other than her record.”
