Senate endorses Sally Jewell for Interior chief
By By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press – 27 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed Sally Jewell, CEO of outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment Inc., as interior secretary.
Jewell will oversee more than 500 million acres of national parks and other public lands, and more than 1 billion acres offshore. The lands are used for energy development, mining, recreation and other purposes. The department also provides services to 566 federally recognized Indian tribes. The Senate approved her nomination, 87-11.
A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, the 57-year-old Jewell previously worked as a petroleum engineer and banker. She also served on the board of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group that works to protect and enhance national parks.
President Barack Obama's nominated Jewell last month to replace outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who announced his departure in January. Jewell is from Seattle.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
