Haaland, a progressive Democrat elected to Congress in 2018, is among President Joe Biden’s most contested choices because of his support for the Green New Deal and opposition to fossil fuel projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Collin’s statement came after Senator Joe Manchin, the Democratic moderate from West Virginia who chairs the Energy Committee, said he would vote to confirm Haaland. Manchin also released answers to registration questions, showing lawmakers seeking Haaland’s opinion on a number of parochial issues, as well as hosting consultations on statements she made on Twitter criticizing the Trump administration’s energy policy and promoting clean energy.
Murkowski peppered Haaland with several dozen questions on topics ranging from Native Alaskan issues to drilling at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and essential minerals. Haaland relied on his personal relationship with the Alaskan Republican with key roles in three panels – Energy, Indigenous Affairs and Appropriations – with direct lines to the Interior.
“Although we don’t always agree with government policy, I want to be clear and open with you,” wrote Haaland. “I respect your reputation as someone who is considerate and civilized and has tremendous experience of productive work with administrations from both parties, and I will try to do the same as I did during my time in Congress.”
But Murkowski in his questions criticized Haaland’s comments about Tara Sweeney, an interior member of the Trump administration who faced ethical accusations about how she managed Covid-19-related tribal funds. Murkowski said she was “truly shocked” by Haaland’s views on the matter, prompting the nominee to declare that she “bears no hostility towards Ms. Sweeney and I respect her public service”.
Republican senators asked Haaland to explain his intention to carry out the Biden government’s “30 out of 30” policy, a plan that Haaland signed during his time in Congress that would put 30% of US land under protection by 2030.
Haaland replied that the plan would include “state and local efforts, tribal lands, voluntary private conservation and working lands cared for by generations of farmers and ranchers”. She added that “[p]articulation in the efforts of all non-federal governments, tribal nations and other groups will be voluntary … We will actively reach out and encourage state, local, tribal and private volunteer conservation efforts ”.
Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), A senior panelist, focused especially on Haaland in his written questions, pointing to an old tweet in which she said that low energy prices made it “easy to miss the big picture” around He asked if she thought fossil fuel prices were “too low” to help the Biden government’s goal of developing renewable fuel production.
Haaland replied, in part, “I support affordable energy prices for all Americans and understand that prices fluctuate and can harm consumers.”
The responses did not influence Barrasso, who along with other Republican senators Steve Daines (Mont.) – who sent 86 questions on topics ranging from Montana tribal issues, his views on the closure of coal-fired power plants – and Cynthia Lummis (Wyo. ), called Haaland a “radical” that would crush the fossil fuel industry.
“As he was after the actual audience, Ranking Member Barrasso is deeply dissatisfied with the lack of substance in Rep. Haaland’s responses to the registration questions,” said spokesman Mike Danylak. “Several questions from Committee members included several parties and her responses were unable to answer them.”
Other Republican senators determined to vote for his nomination were less conflicted. Sen. Jim Risch, of Idaho, asked Haaland about his support for the expansion of electrical transmission networks, a political issue that Haaland supported during his time in the House. He also asked if it supported encouraging mining on public lands, which experts say will be needed to supply the fast-growing markets for battery and electrification technology.
“If confirmed, I will listen to all interested parties to ensure that we are taking advantage of the minerals we need, safeguarding public health and important natural and cultural resources,” replied Haaland in writing. “I will seek to take a balanced approach to overseeing mining on our land and public waters.”
An adviser to Risch declined to say how he would vote for Haaland’s nomination.