WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee made the following statement regarding the nomination of Sally Jewell as Secretary of Interior:

“The Interior Department’s record of working with state and local authorities on land management issues under President Obama is subpar at best,” said Senator Lee, a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which will be holding hearings for the new Interior Secretary nominee. “Utah's energy, ranching, recreation, and tourism industries are continually threatened by the department's land use management policies.  The department’s approach has hurt our economy, killed jobs, and prevented states like Utah from generating critical revenue.  I look forward to hearing the testimony of Mrs. Jewell, and I am hopeful the next Secretary of Interior will see their role in a balanced way to serve the interests of the country, the states, and local communities.”