Conservation voters applaud confirmation of U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland

MADISON – Wisconsin Conservation Voters and its 40,000-plus members and supporters are celebrating today’s U.S. Senate vote finalizing the historic confirmation of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior – making her the first Indigenous person to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.

“We congratulate Secretary Deb Haaland on her well-earned, historic nomination,” said Executive Director Kerry Schumann. “The significance of this confirmation – an Indigenous woman leading the critical work of managing our shared public lands – is long overdue, but its importance cannot be overstated. Secretary Haaland will implement a bold agenda based on science, equity, and environmental justice. She will prioritize access to nature, tribal consultation, and responsible management of our public lands and resources for all people in this country. In Wisconsin, Secretary Haaland’s nomination serves as a national example of leadership for Indigenous communities and people and puts an ally in the Cabinet with values that reflect those of Wisconsin Conservation Voters. We’re excited to work with Secretary Haaland and the Department of the Interior to protect our lands and make their stewardship more equitable and inclusive.”

Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin voted to confirm Secretary Haaland while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson rejected it.

“Our members across Wisconsin sent nearly 1,000 messages of support to both Senators, while thousands more from across the country did the same,” said Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich. “Sen. Baldwin has consistently stood up for our conservation values, including open and accessible public lands, and we thank her for voting to confirm Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary. Meanwhile, Sen. Johnson, rather than voting to confirm a well-qualified, historic nominee in Deb Haaland, has been spending his time spreading debunked, racist conspiracy theories. Wisconsin deserves better.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.