U.S. Department of Interior
Recent News About U.S. Department of Interior
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Interior Secretary Haaland Faces Scrutiny Over ‘Secret’ Meetings in Senate Hearing
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faced inquiries from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) during a May 2 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing about undisclosed meetings between Department of the Interior (DOI) officials and the Wilderness Society concerning the Twin Metals critical minerals project.
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Biden administration allocates $55 million for pollution cleanup in North Dakota and West Virginia
The Department of the Interior has announced the allocation of $54.2 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to clean up legacy pollution in North Dakota and West Virginia. The funds will be used to address orphaned oil and gas wells, reclaim well sites, and remediate contaminated locations.
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60 Million Investment for Drought Resilience in Rio Grande Basin Announced
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a $60 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for water conservation and drought resilience in the Rio Grande Basin. The funds will enhance climate resiliency and water security for communities downstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir extending into West Texas.
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Interior Department Announces Over $87 Million for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges
The Department of the Interior today announced more than $87 million in funding has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, providing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners the ability to help conserve, restore or enhance 315,823 acres of critical wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across North America – including Canada and Mexico.
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Interior Department unveils virtual exhibition to honor legacy of women's history
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis, along with other Biden-Harris administration officials, historians, museum leaders, conservation leaders, and others gathered today to honor the legacy and contributions of a diverse range of women and girls to our country. They also highlighted the Administration’s efforts to increase the representation of women’s history in sites across America.
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Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $147 Million for Drought Resiliency and Water Supply in Western States
DURANGO, Colo. — The Department of the Interior has unveiled a significant investment of $147.6 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to aid communities in tackling water reliability challenges stemming from drought and water scarcity concerns. This funding will support 42 projects across ten states.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing the impacts of drought, stating, "As communities across the West continue to face the impacts of ongoing drought, the Biden-Harris administration is making record investments to...
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Secretary Haaland Celebrates President Biden’s Expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
Secretary Deb Haaland expressed her appreciation for President Biden’s expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, stating, “Locally led conservation efforts are at the heart of what we are advancing in the Biden-Harris administration. Molok Luyuk is sacred to the Tribes who have long advocated for its protection and maintain a deep connection with this land and thanks to President Biden’s leadership, it will now be protected for future generations.” Haaland further added, “Today I am honored to stand with the Tribal leaders, local communities, and...
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $71 Million Investment to Electrify Tribal Homes with Clean Energy
The Department of the Interior has revealed a significant investment of $71 million to assist Tribal communities in electrifying their homes. This funding, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aims to transition all homes in Indian Country to clean energy sources, aligning with the administration's objective of achieving a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035.Secretary Haaland expressed the department's commitment to supporting Tribes in enhancing their electricity infrastructure, stating, “As the Interior Department implements this new program, we...
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Interior Department Proposes Offshore Wind Sales in Oregon, Gulf of Maine
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior, under the Biden-Harris administration, has unveiled plans for offshore wind energy auctions off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. These proposals, announced by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), have the potential to generate over 18 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power more than six million homes.Secretary Deb Haaland expressed the administration's commitment to green energy, job creation, and community resilience, stating, "Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department...
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Secretary Haaland, Department Leaders Highlight Biden-Harris Administration’s Clean Energy Progress, Commitment to Indian Country in Arizona
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Arizona this week to underscore the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to clean energy progress and strengthening Indian Country. Secretary Haaland, along with Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning, celebrated the completion of the Ten West Link transmission line in La Paz County, showcasing the administration's efforts to accelerate transmission buildout.During the event, Secretary Haaland emphasized the administration's dedication to developing a robust and sustainable clean energy economy, stating,...
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Assistant Secretary Estenoz Celebrates National Park Week, Highlights Investing in America Agenda Investments Across the South
Assistant Secretary Shannon Estenoz recently concluded a weeklong tour of national parks in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to commemorate National Park Week and emphasize the positive impacts of investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The National Park Service has committed $195 million for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade, with a focus on protecting America’s national parks for future generations."In Biscayne National Park, supported by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, teams of scientists are at work...
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Assistant Secretary Newland Highlights Bison and Grasslands Restoration During New Mexico Visit
TAOS, N.M. — Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland visited New Mexico this week, where he joined leaders from the Taos Pueblo for the release of 10 bison from Yellowstone National Park into their existing herd. During the visit, Assistant Secretary Newland highlighted the significant funding the Department has invested through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to support the restoration of bison populations and grassland ecosystems in Tribal communities.Through its bison range activities, the Taos Pueblo is reestablishing native grasses through...
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Secretary Haaland Announces New Five-Year Offshore Wind Leasing Schedule
NEW ORLEANS — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced at the International Partnering Forum conference in New Orleans today a new five-year offshore wind leasing schedule. The schedule includes up to 12 potential offshore wind energy lease sales through 2028 in various regions across the United States.Secretary Haaland emphasized the administration's commitment to renewable energy projects, stating, "The Biden-Harris administration has built an offshore wind industry from the ground up after years of delay from the previous Administration. As we look toward the...
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Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $37 Million to Clean Up Legacy Pollution in Three States
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior has announced the allocation of $36.9 million in the first phase of formula grant funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri to address legacy pollution.Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri will receive funding to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells in their states. Kentucky is awarded $25 million, Mississippi $6.8 million, and Missouri $5.1 million for this purpose.Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted the impact of this initiative, stating, "President Biden’s Investing in...
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Interior Department Finalizes Rule to Streamline and Modernize Offshore Renewable Energy Development
WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has announced the finalization of updated regulations for renewable energy development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have collaborated to streamline and modernize regulations, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing certainty for offshore wind projects.Secretary Haaland, speaking at the 2024 International Partnering Forum, expressed her pride in the Interior Department's efforts, stating, "I am so...
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Biden-Harris Administration Invests $70 Million in National Fish Passage Program Projects
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. — The Department of the Interior has announced a significant investment of more than $70 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for 43 projects in 29 states aimed at improving fish passage around outdated or obsolete barriers in rivers and streams. The projects will address climate resilience, enhance recreational opportunities, and boost local economies.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda delivers a once-in-a-generation investment to restore our...
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Interagency Effort to Support Tribal Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation and Indian Health Service (IHS) have joined forces to enhance safe drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects across Indian Country. The announcement was made at the White House’s Clean Water Summit, with key figures including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Michael Brain, Indian Health Service Deputy Director Benjamin Smith, and Yakama Nation Chairman Gerald Lewis in attendance.Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Michael Brain...
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Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $140 Million to Address Legacy Pollution and Boost Coal Communities in West Virginia
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus traveled to Morgantown, West Virginia, to announce the allocation of more than $140 million in fiscal year 2023 funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funding aims to address dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands (AML) in West Virginia, create jobs, and catalyze economic opportunities in coal communities.During the announcement, Dr. Feldgus highlighted the importance of the funding, stating, “There are thousands of miles of streams throughout Appalachia...
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Assistant Secretary Cantor Participates in 124th Flag Day Ceremonies in American Samoa
Assistant Secretary Carmen G. Cantor visited American Samoa this week to participate in the 124th anniversary celebration of Flag Day in the territory. The event, which took place on April 17, commemorates American Samoa's history as a U.S. territory.During her visit, Assistant Secretary Cantor engaged in various activities, including observing performances and parades by local schools and villages, as well as participating in a traditional Ava Ceremony. Additionally, she took the time to visit project sites that had received financial support from the Office of Insular...
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Biden-Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Protect Alaska Native Subsistence, Lands and Wildlife
On April 19, 2024, the Department of the Interior made crucial decisions to safeguard millions of acres in Alaska, aiming to protect the subsistence economy vital to Alaska Native people and rural communities, preserve essential fish and wildlife habitats, and strike a balance with extractive activities on public lands.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the administration's dedication to finding a balance between conservation and development, stating, “Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to ensure that places too special to develop remain intact for the...