“For many years, Ms. Daniel-Davis has served in leadership positions within the Department of the Interior and worked towards addressing prominent environmental issues important to Latinos, such as promoting environmental justice, protecting public lands and waters, preserving cultural heritage and addressing the climate crisis.

We applaud her appointment as Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior, as she is extremely qualified and experienced, having served as an aide to four Secretaries of the Interior and most recently as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management under Secretary Deb Haaland. Ms. Daniel-Davis has decades of experience working in a bipartisan, collaborative manner to achieve policies benefiting the local communities, indigenous tribes, and public lands, and is most deserving of this appointment.

As we continue to work towards President Biden’s goal of protecting 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030, we must ensure that the benefits of nature are realized equitably, with access to parkland and beaches for underserved communities, honoring the sovereignty of tribal nations, and prioritizing climate resilience and pollution reduction in environmental justice communities. Ms. Daniel-Davis will be vital in helping achieve the administration’s climate goals.

Hispanic Access, as well as the Latino families, faith leaders, and young people we serve, look forward to continuing to work with Ms. Daniel-Davis and honoring the critical mission of the Department of Interior.”