House Natural Resources Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of Recreational Equipment Inc., “REI” CEO Sally Jewell to be Secretary of the Interior.

“The Secretary of the Interior should be an advocate for protecting and actively harnessing our Nation’s lands and natural resources for public gain. If confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, I hope Sally Jewell would be able to balance the need for both the responsible use of our nation’s energy, mineral, timber and water resources and conservation. The agencies and programs overseen by the Interior Department help support millions of American jobs and bring in the second highest source of revenue to the Treasury. It is vital that the Secretary of the Interior demonstrates an understanding of the importance and value of protecting public access to public lands for a wide-range of purposes including job-creating economic activities, all-types of recreation, and conservation. It is also important that the Secretary of the Interior be transparent about the policies and actions taken by the Department and be willing to fully cooperate with Congressional oversight. I’ll be following the Senate confirmation process closely and look forward to learning more about Ms. Jewell’s background and priorities.”