Dear John,

Just minutes ago, Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico was officially confirmed as our nation’s new Secretary of the Interior!

Incoming Sec. Haaland is the first indigenous cabinet Secretary and second-highest-ranking enrolled Native American to ever serve in the federal government. Haaland is a strong voice for climate action, the movement to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, and the prioritization of American health over the profits of the fossil fuel industry.

A couple of weeks ago, we asked our supporters to contact Maine’s Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to urge them to vote to confirm Haaland. Hundreds of folks — like you — sent emails and thanks to your activism, both of Maine’s Senators voted to confirm Haaland this evening.

After four years of the last administration's explicitly pro-polluter policies, Rep. Haaland will bring about a new day at the Department of the Interior with grace, humility, and expertise, fighting to ensure the voices of tribes and local communities are heard in conversations about our public lands — not just those of oil and gas CEOs.

We look forward to our lawmakers taking Haaland’s lead on Tribal issues right here in Maine. 

Onward, 
Kathleen