U.S. Department of Interior
U.S. Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Federal Agencies
Recent News About U.S. Department of Interior
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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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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 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 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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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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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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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 DevelopmentWASHINGTON — 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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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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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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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 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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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...
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PLACITAS, N.M. — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has signed Public Land Order 7940, safeguarding over 4,200 acres of Bureau of Land Management-managed public lands in the Placitas area. The final mineral withdrawal will protect the scenic integrity, cultural significance, recreational values, and wildlife habitat connectivity of the lands and the surrounding area for the next 50 years."Indigenous communities have called the Placitas area home since time immemorial, with evidence of their presence found from nearly every settlement period of the past 10,000 years,"...
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Secretary Deb Haaland announced at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration in Albuquerque the availability of up to $95 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for projects to bolster water resources, advance ecosystem health, and support resilience in communities facing climate change impacts. Haaland emphasized the importance of nature in the fight against climate change, stating, “Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change.”Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton expressed the agency's commitment to...
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The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Department of the Interior, has announced a final rule aimed at guiding the balanced management of America's public lands. The newly finalized Public Lands Rule is designed to enhance the health and resilience of public lands amidst a changing climate, conserve wildlife habitat, facilitate responsible development, and recognize cultural and natural resources on public lands.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, “Today’s final rule helps restore balance to our public lands as we continue using...
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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Joan Mooney visited Georgia to showcase how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is aiding wildland fire management efforts. Mooney emphasized the importance of the collaborative partnership between various organizations in establishing the Georgia Native Seed Network to address the lack of genetically appropriate seeds in the Southeast, which can hinder wildfire recovery and habitat restoration.Mooney stated, "The solutions created through this collaborative partnership will be used to meet...
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Native Hawaiian organizations (NHOs) have been invited to apply for funding through the Heritage Opportunities in Hawaii program. The Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, a division of the US Department of the Interior (DOI), has announced $1 million in funding for this initiative.
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Funds from fiscal year 2023 energy revenues have been allocated to Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and their coastal political subdivisions. These funds will enable the recipients to undertake projects related to hurricane protection, coastal restoration, and conservation.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), a three-member board established in 1988, is dedicated to promoting Tribal economic development and strengthening Tribal governments through the operation of gaming on Tribal lands.