Ian Brickey, ian.brickey @sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would oppose the nomination of Laura Daniel-Davis as the U.S. Department of the Interior’s principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management.
Daniel-Davis’ nomination has been repeatedly delayed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee, which Manchin chairs. In July 2022, the committee moved the nomination forward, but the Senate did not act on it before the end of the 117th Congress, requiring it to be resubmitted for consideration during the new Congress.
In response, Athan Manuel, Sierra Club Lands Protection Program Director, released the following statement:
“We are disappointed that Senator Manchin has chosen to side with the fossil fuel industry to block this highly qualified nominee.
“Laura Daniel-Davis has dedicated years of her life to conserving public lands. Her abilities and experience would have been indispensable at the Department of the Interior at a time when climate change threatens these treasured landscapes and the wildlife and communities that rely on them. It is unacceptable that this critical position will continue to be left open."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.