Washington, D.C. – Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s nomination of Sally Jewell to replace current Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar when he steps down in March:

“Sally Jewell is an inspired choice to lead the Interior Department. Her experience leading a nearly $2 billion outdoor recreation company, combined with her years of work in the financial sector, puts her in a position to bring a new vision to the Interior Department,” Wyden said. “Her record shows that she understands the importance of preserving our public lands for future generations, as well as the critical links between public lands, natural resources and economic growth.

I am looking forward to working with Sally on the diverse issues facing Interior: ensuring taxpayers receive full value for resources produced from federal lands, managing the renewable and natural gas energy boom to ensure it is done in an environmentally responsible manner, and finding a long-term solution to provide resource-dependent communities across the country a fair share of revenues from federal lands.”