Jack Jackson Jr., a member of the Navajo Nation, will be serving as the Native liaison at the State Department, The Arizona Republic reports.

Jackson is filling a new position to consult with tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians on environmental issues. His main project will be the presidential permit for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline.

“As a Native person, I want to ensure the negative impacts on them are as little as possible,” Jackson told the Republic of his role to consult with tribes, whose leaders are opposed to the pipeline.

Jackson is leaving his post in the Arizona Senate.

Get the Story:
Sen. Jackson joining State Department (The Arizona Republic 7/1)

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