WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2013 - President Obama nominated Sally Jewell today to replace outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who is set to step down in March.
The choice of Jewell, who currently serves as chief executive officer of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), was welcomed by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
“Sally Jewell is an inspired choice to lead the Interior Department,” Wyden said. “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. 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.”
Wyden said he hopes to work with Jewell on several issues facing the department including ensuring taxpayers receive full value for resources produced from federal lands, managing the renewable and natural gas energy boom in an environmentally responsible manner, and finding a long-term solution to provide resource-dependent communities with a fair share of revenues from federal lands.
RILA president Sandy Kennedy said Jewell has provided “thoughtful guidance and leadership” at the organization.
“Sally is a well-respected retail executive, with a remarkable commitment to REI's members, customers and employees,” Kennedy said. “I have no doubt that she will guide the Department of the Interior with the same vision and leadership with which she led REI.”
Chris Wood, president and chief executive officer of Trout Unlimited, said Jewell would bring needed balance to energy development on public lands.
“Her stewardship of REI demonstrates that she understands the interests of anglers and hunters and would serve as an aggressive advocate within the White House for protecting fish and game habitat and hunting and angling opportunity,” Wood said. “She is a practical, no-nonsense leader who would bring a sense of purpose to implementing the oil and gas reforms that have remained largely on the shelf. She is a strong pick.”
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