Natural History Wanderings

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued two Secretarial Orders “to prioritize action on climate change throughout the Department and to restore transparency and integrity in the Department’s decision-making processes.” She also revoked Secretarial Orders issued during the previous administration found to be “inconsistent with the Department’s commitment to protect public health; conserve land, water, and wildlife; and elevate science.”

Among the Secretarial Orders that were revoked:

• SO 3350 – “America-First Offshore Energy Strategy” (May 1, 2017)
• SO 3352 – “National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska” (May 31, 2017)
• SO 3355 – Streamlining National Environmental Policy Reviews and Implementation of Executive

  Order 13807, “Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects” (Aug. 31, 2017)

  Statement by Kristen Miller, Conservation Director, Alaska Wilderness League:

  “Today’s Secretarial Orders are another important step toward restoring scientific integrity, meaningful public process and the longstanding stewardship responsibilities for America’s public lands and waters at the Department of Interior. This is the type of bold and visionary leadership we need if we’re to effectively fight climate change, tackle the extinction crisis, and prioritize environmental justice and tribal consultation.

  “We applaud the Secretary’s actions to ensure meaningful consultation and elevate strong science, especially around climate change, into decision-making across the Department. Further, we thank the Secretary for reversing the Trump administration’s energy dominance agenda for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. We look forward to working with her toward a different management direction for this remarkable area, focusing on addressing the climate crisis and protecting its extraordinary wildlife habitat, biodiversity and cultural values.”