Tester statement on Sally Jewell’s confirmation to be Interior Secretary

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after voting to approve Sally Jewell as the next Secretary of the Interior. The Senate confirmed Jewell by a vote of 87 to 11:

“Sally Jewell is a fellow Westerner who will bring great private sector experience to the Interior Department. She understands our outdoor heritage and the importance of public lands to rural America. I look forward to working with her to grow Montana’s economy, responsibly manage our public lands and improve life in Indian Country.”

Jewell, who began her career as an oil engineer, was the CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), a leading outdoor equipment company.

Jewell replaces outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who has led the department since 2009.