WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today released the following statement after voting against the nomination of Representative Deb Haaland to be Secretary of Interior:
“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Rep. Haaland to discuss several issues of importance to Utah, including the recent temporary suspension of federal energy leases, and concerns regarding the Administration’s intent to assert greater federal control over public lands – both of which would be detrimental to our state.
“We also discussed the ongoing review of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument designations, and I reiterated the delegation’s preference for a permanent legislative solution that provides certainty and reflects state, local, and tribal input.
“Based on Rep. Haaland’s record and views on land management and energy resources, including her support for radical policies like the Green New Deal, I am not able to support her confirmation to lead the Interior Department.”