News and reports from the Department of the Interior.

Interior News

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WASHINGTON — In another step by the Biden-Harris administration to support the growing momentum across America for a clean energy economy, the Department of the Interior today announced the execution of the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease. The lease area covers less than 15,000 acres located 28 nautical miles offshore Maine on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf and could allow for the deployment of up to 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating up to 144 megawatts of renewable energy, as well as many good-paying jobs in local...
Interior

Biden designates new national monument commemorating Springfield race riot

President Joe Biden has established the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument as the newest addition to America's national park system. This marks the eighth national park site added during the Biden-Harris administration. The monument aims to preserve historic objects associated with a racially motivated riot in Springfield, Illinois, in 1908, which contributed to significant civil rights advancements, including the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Interior

Biden-Harris Administration announces results from Central Atlantic Offshore Wind Lease Sale

Following the completion of the fifth offshore wind lease sale held during the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior announced results from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s wind energy auction for two lease areas offshore Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The sale resulted in two provisional winners and $92.65 million in winning bids.
Interior

Biden-Harris administration allocates $775M for orphaned oil well cleanup

The Department of the Interior has announced the allocation of $775 million to 21 states for the cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells. This funding is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to address legacy pollution, create jobs, and mitigate environmental risks. Over $1 billion has already been distributed under this initiative.
Interior

Interior Department establishes new conservation area in Oregon's Willamette Valley

The Department of the Interior has announced the establishment of the Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon, marking it as the 572nd unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-managed National Wildlife Refuge System. The new 600-acre parcel aims to provide essential protected habitat for threatened and endangered species. This initiative is the fifth new unit established under Secretary Deb Haaland’s leadership and the 15th conservation area in the Refuge System.
Interior

Haaland highlights Indigenous peoples' crises during New Mexico visit

ALBUQUERQUE — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland visited New Mexico today to highlight the Biden-Harris administration's efforts in addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crises in Indian Country. The leaders were briefed by representatives of both Departments at the headquarters of the Interior Department’s Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) and held a listening session with the Eight Northern Pueblos, which include Nambé, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos,...
Interior

Texas preserve designated as new National Natural Landmark

On August 9, 2024, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland affirmed the designation of Independence Creek Preserve in west Texas as the nation’s newest National Natural Landmark. This nearly 20,000-acre Chihuahuan Desert preserve is protected and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Interior

Interior Department allocates record-breaking funds for outdoor access

PHOENIX — Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis announced the distribution of $325 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. This marks the largest annual distribution from the program since 1979. Investments from the LWCF support the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative by funding locally led outdoor recreation and conservation projects.
Interior

Interior Department announces $7 million for Indian Youth Service Corps Projects

The Department of the Interior announced nearly $7 million through the Indian Youth Services Corps (IYSC) for Indigenous-led conservation projects across the nation. The IYSC, launched by Secretary Deb Haaland in 2022, is a partnership-based program providing education, jobs, and training opportunities to Indigenous youth through conservation projects on public and Tribal lands, and Hawaiian homelands. This funding aims to advance the American Climate Corps, part of the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to empower a diverse generation to address climate issues and join the...
Interior

Interior Department announces nearly $47 Million investment in community-led park projects

The Department of the Interior has announced a $46.7 million investment through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program to support the redevelopment or creation of 10 local parks across various U.S. cities. The funding will benefit communities in Tucson, Arizona; Porterville, California; Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Garner and Raleigh, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; and Houston, Texas.
Interior

Biden-Harris Administration allocates $105 million for national water conservation projects

The Department of the Interior has announced a nearly $105 million investment as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at enhancing drought resilience through 67 water conservation and efficiency projects nationwide. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations.
Interior

Biden-Harris Administration allocates funds for cleanup of legacy pollution

The Department of the Interior announced $52 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Colorado, Illinois, and West Virginia to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells. These investments aim to address hazardous sites, create union jobs, catalyze economic growth, protect public health and the environment from methane leaks, and advance environmental justice.
Interior

Interior Department celebrates fourth anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act with fee-free day

On Sunday, August 4, the Department of the Interior will commemorate the four-year anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) by waiving entrance fees at all lands managed by the Department. Other fees, such as overnight camping, cabin rentals, group day use and use of special areas, remain in effect. The GAOA is a bipartisan investment that improves visitor experiences, bolsters climate resilience and invests in the economy by creating good-paying jobs in national parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded...
Interior

Secretary of the Interior tests positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON — After experiencing mild symptoms, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland tested positive for COVID-19 today. The Secretary is fully vaccinated and boosted and encourages everyone to stay current on their vaccinations so that, if they are exposed, they too will have milder symptoms. Secretary Haaland is isolating and working remotely.
Interior

Interior releases final volume on Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative

The Department of the Interior announced significant advancements in the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, launched in June 2021 by Secretary Deb Haaland. This initiative represents the federal government's first comprehensive effort to acknowledge and address the legacy of past federal Indian boarding school policies and their intergenerational impact on Indigenous communities.
Interior

Interior Department announces $20 million for climate resilience in Hawaiʻi

The Department of the Interior announced a $20 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to enhance climate resilience in Hawaiʻi. The funding will be allocated to 17 Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) for restoring native ecosystems, enhancing food security, and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and practices.
Interior

Assistant Secretary highlights Interior Department's commitments during Southeast Asia visit

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Assistant Secretary Carmen G. Cantor concluded a multi-day trip to Thailand and Indonesia on Friday, reaffirming the Department of the Interior’s conservation partnerships across Southeast Asia. The visit emphasized the Department’s long-term commitment to the region through the International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP), investments in wildlife conservation and protected areas, and collaborations with regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Interior

Historic Moravian Bethlehem District added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today applauded the selection of the Historic Moravian Bethlehem District in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The list highlights cultural and natural heritage sites around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
Interior

Biden-Harris Administration advances nine new solar projects on western public lands

The Department of the Interior announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is advancing nine solar projects on public lands, which could potentially power nearly 2 million homes with clean energy. These projects align with President Biden’s objective of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.
Interior

240 million allocated for fish hatcheries supporting pacific northwest tribes

The Departments of the Interior and Commerce announced a $240 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support fish hatcheries producing Pacific salmon and steelhead. This move emphasizes the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to empowering Tribal Nations and fulfilling federal trust and treaty responsibilities. Fish hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest play a vital role in providing subsistence, ceremonial, and economic benefits for Tribal communities, as well as upholding Treaty-reserved fishing rights. The Interior Department’s Bureau...
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