But Republicans repeatedly pressed Haaland on statements she made while in the House, including her opposition to fracking and the Dakota Access pipeline, her support for the Green New Deal and the potential loss of mining and drilling jobs under Biden’s agenda. “You said you would, ‘Work your heart out for everyone, including fossil fuel workers,’” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. “My question for you is, why not just let these workers keep their jobs?” But Haaland, in response to a question from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., reiterated her support for clean energy, and said that would not necessarily mean a loss of jobs. “I believe there are millions of jobs in a clean energy future for Americans, and if I’m confirmed, I would be honored to help the president move those forward,” she said.Thank you, to my friend @RepDonYoung for introducing me at my confirmation hearing. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and the bipartisan solutions we were able to accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/IzBbahwSiF
— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) February 23, 2021
Haaland often deflected questions, saying she did not have all the information she needed to answer but pledging to work with lawmakers – and deferring to the administration, as when she was asked about the pipeline project Biden halted early in his administration. “I know that the Keystone Pipeline has been a passionate issue on both sides,” Haaland said. “With respect to President Biden’s decision, it’s his decision as president.” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., was typical of the opponents when he expressed “concerns about proceeding with this nomination.” “The track record and the ideology in the past I think will perpetuate divisiveness and will certainly harm Montana’s economy,” Daines said.The #DebForInterior hearing has started!
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is delivering opening remarks, discussing areas at Department of the Interior, including energy development and tribes.https://t.co/DvR8KjfcPz
But Republican concerns with Haaland were partly blunted by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who testified on her behalf and urged the senators to confirm her. He said Biden has the right to assemble his own team, but also praised Haaland’s ability to work across the aisle, something he said they have been able to do in the House even though they often disagree. “Her job here is to understand the big picture, it’s no longer a little cartoon,” Young said of her current job as one of 435 House members. “This is the big picture, and she’ll have to have the responsibility to do the job I know she can do.” Democrats turned the questioning to Haaland’s stands on Native American issues, on parks and open spaces funding and on conservation jobs. Sanders asked if Haaland would try to keep the transfer of land for a massive copper mine from going through at Oak Flat, an area in southeastern Arizona sacred to some Apache. Haaland said the U.S. Forest Service should handle the issue, since it is within their domain, but that she will “ensure that tribal voices are heard.” “I believe that it is in the purview of the forest service,” Haaland said. “However, if I have an opportunity, I would look forward to being briefed on it … to making sure that the voices of the tribal nations are heard with that issue.” Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, tweeted his support for Haaland’s confirmation Tuesday morning. “My friend and colleague Deb Haaland is a fighter for justice, an advocate for Native communities, and a protector of our environment and public lands,” Grijalva wrote. “She is an excellent choice for Interior secretary, and the kind of leader we need in this moment.”#DebForInterior hearing has started! Tune in.https://t.co/qQRQWuS19H
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
The hearing adjourned after more than two hours, and is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning. No vote has been scheduled on the nomination. Haaland said she hopes her nomination can serve as an inspiration. “It’s not about me,” Haaland said. “Rather, I hope this nomination would be an inspiration for Americans moving forward together as one nation in creating opportunities for all of us.” For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.My friend and colleague @RepDebHaaland is a fighter for justice, an advocate for Native communities, and a protector of our environment and #PublicLands.
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) February 23, 2021
She is an excellent choice for Interior Secretary, and the kind of leader we need in this moment. https://t.co/j49FOjoRTq
Note: This story originally appeared on Cronkite News. It is published via a Creative Commons license. Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

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