Biden picks signal seat at table for environmental justice
By Barbara Fraser
National Catholic Reporter
December 18, 2020
This week saw trailblazing choices by President-elect Joe Biden for leaders of U.S. government agencies that are key for action on climate change, land use, pollution and — especially — environmental justice.
If confirmed by the Senate, U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, a Democrat from New Mexico who is a member of the Laguna Pueblo, would become the first Native American Cabinet secretary, as head of Interior Department, which manages the nation's public lands — 20% of the country — the government's often-contentious relationship with Native American tribes.