By Matthew Daly, Associated Press
President Joe Biden s nominee to head the Interior Department faced sharp questions from Republicans Tuesday over what several called her radical ideas that include opposition to fracking and the Keystone XL oil pipeline.
Deb Haaland, a New Mexico congresswoman named to lead the Interior Department, tried to reassure GOP lawmakers, saying she is committed to strike the right balance as Interior manages oil drilling and other energy development while seeking to conserve public lands and address climate change.
If confirmed, Haaland, 60, would be the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency.
Native Americans see her nomination as the best chance to move from consultation on tribal issues to consent and to put more land into the hands of tribal nations either outright or through stewardship agreements. The Interior Department has broad oversight over nearly 600 federally recognized tribes as well as energy development and other
By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
Citing downward trends in new COVID-19 cases, top administrators with some of the largest health care networks in New Mexico said Monday that visitation restrictions at some hospitals were being eased for non-coronavirus patients.
The officials said during an online briefing that the changes include longer visiting hours and in some cases, more than one person will be allowed in.
Still, they noted that while the daily case totals have been declining, the seven-day rolling average of infections in New Mexico remains higher now that it was last spring and summer. They urged people to continue wearing masks and to keep their distance from others.
Interior Nominee Haaland Vows Balance On Energy, Climate -
By Matthew Daly Associated Press
President Joe Biden s nominee to head the Interior Department says oil and natural gas will continue to play a major role in America for years to come.
But New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland, Biden s nominee to be interior secretary, says the United States also must address climate change and recognize that the energy industry is changing.
In testimony prepared for her confirmation hearing Tuesday, she said the Interior Department has a role in harnessing the clean energy potential of our public lands to create jobs while restoring and conserving federal lands.