American Rivers congratulates Deb Haaland on confirmation as Secretary of the Interior

March 15, 2021
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145

Tom Kiernan, President of American Rivers, released the following statement today in response to the confirmation of Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior:

“We congratulate Deb Haaland on her historic confirmation as Secretary of the Interior. She is an experienced leader with a strong commitment to safeguarding public lands and waters. As a member of the Laguna Pueblo People and the first Native American to hold this position, she can begin a new chapter for this department that has a unique trust relationship with sovereign tribes.”

“Her leadership comes at a critical time for the Department of the Interior, which oversees conservation and management of thousands of miles of rivers and 500 million acres of public lands including national parks, wildlife refuges and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.”

“Healthy rivers can be part of the solution to the biggest challenges facing our country, including climate change, the economy, public health, and injustice. We look forward to working with Secretary Haaland and the Biden-Harris administration to ensure investment in healthy rivers is a top priority.”

About American Rivers

American Rivers believes a future of clean water and healthy rivers for everyone, everywhere is essential. Since 1973, we have protected wild rivers, restored damaged rivers and conserved clean water for people and nature. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and 300,000 supporters, members and volunteers across the country, we are the most trusted and influential river conservation organization in the United States, delivering solutions for a better future. Because life needs rivers.