Senate Approval of Sally Jewell as Interior Secretary Praised

The overwhelming Senate approval of Sally Jewell as the nation’s new Secretary of the Interior is a good step toward helping create more parks and places for Americans to get outside, The Trust for Public Land said today.

The Senate voted 87-11 to confirm Ms. Jewell as a member of President Obama’s Cabinet. She replaces Ken Salazar, who is returning to his Colorado home.

“Sally Jewell will do a terrific job in one of the most challenging jobs in Washington,” said Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land. “As for the former CEO of REI, she understands how much Americans love to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful parks and trails our country offers.”

“Ms. Jewell also understands that the vast majority of Americans live in cities and population centers and they need parks, playgrounds, and other places to get outdoors with their families,” Rogers said. “While parks and recreation are fun, they also provide ways for people to get the exercise they need to live healthier lives.”

“We are looking forward to working with Ms. Jewell to help create more ways for Americans to enjoy the outdoors,” Rogers said. “And as she takes office, we also want to recognize the big shoes she will have to fill. Ken Salazar was an excellent Secretary of the Interior and he worked tirelessly to build and protect our parks and open spaces as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative.”

Founded in 1972, The Trust for Public Land is the leading nonprofit working to conserve land for people. Operating from more than 30 offices nationwide, The Trust for Public Land has protected more than three million acres from the inner city to the wilderness and helped generate more than $34 billion in public funds for conservation. Nearly ten million people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.