Alaska Wilderness League Applauds Appointment of Laura Daniel-Davis To Acting Deputy Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2023
Contact: Anja Semanco
Email: anja@alaskawild.org
Alaska Wilderness League Applauds Appointment of Laura Daniel-Davis To Acting Deputy Secretary
Daniel-Davis is an exceptional choice for the role, made at a critical time for America’s Arctic
Washington, D.C. — Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced that President Biden will designate Laura Daniel-Davis as Acting Deputy Secretary, replacing outgoing Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau. Daniel-Davis enters this position with more than three decades of public policy, non-profit and government experience focused on public lands conservation and partnerships. She previously served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management at Interior, where she was instrumental in reviewing oil and gas leasing policies to ensure they best served all stakeholders.
“Laura Daniel-Davis is exceptionally qualified to step into this role aiding the Biden administration in its ambitious climate and public lands agenda. She brings a strong track record of relationship-building and work to ensure that Tribal communities, landowners and all Americans can fully benefit from our nation’s public lands and waters,” said Kristen Miller, executive director of Alaska Wilderness League. “Her designation comes at a critical time for Alaska and we look forward to working with Daniel-Davis and the administration as they continue to take great strides in ensuring lasting protections for America’s Arctic.”
Daniel-Davis is also a veteran of the Obama and Clinton administrations, serving as Chief of Staff to Interior Secretaries Sally Jewell and Ken Salazar, where she implemented Obama administration priorities including conservation of public lands, responsible energy development and strengthening relationships with Tribal nations. She was involved in all major issues before the Department, including the permitting of the first offshore wind project, restoration of the Klamath River basin and serving on a crisis team during the BP oil spill in 2010. She also served at Interior during the Clinton administration in a variety of roles, including Associate Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs.
The work of the Department of the Interior has never been more important than it is today. Our public lands and waters are experiencing unprecedented climate-fueled threats — including drought, wildfires and floods as well as rampant extractive practices that continue to degrade the land and exacerbate already impactful climate threats. These irreplaceable lands and waters, home to countless wildlife species, have a critical role to play in addressing the challenges we face. We need leaders like Daniel-Davis with the experience, vision and fortitude to craft collaborative solutions and ensure our public lands, waters and coasts endure for the benefit of all users.
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