Jewell confirmed as DOI head

The US Senate confirmed Sally Jewell, CEO of US-based retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), as the next Secretary of the Interior department.

President Barack Obama and Sally Jewell applaud outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Washington Post reports that Jewell was approved by a vote of 87 to 11.

In a statement, President Barack Obama thanked Congress for approving Jewell’s nomination.

Touting her career qualifications, Obama said: "With her extensive business experience, including her background in the energy sector, along with her lifelong commitment to conservation, Sally is the right person for this important job."

Jewell began her career as an engineer for Mobil Oil, and later served as a bank executive before taking the reins at the outdoor clothing and equipment retailer REI in 2005.

Industry advocates API congratulated Jewell on her senate confirmation.

“Regulatory uncertainty, slow permitting, and restricted access to energy resources on federally-controlled land all prevent the U.S. from achieving its full energy potential. We look forward to working with Secretary Jewell with the hope of addressing these issues and helping the president follow through on his commitment to a true all-of-the-above energy approach,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard.

National Ocean Industries Association President Randall Luthi pushed for Jewell to reform the US offshore leasing program.

“I urge Secretary Jewell to initiate a new five year offshore leasing plan that includes new areas in the Atlantic, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific, and Alaska and to review the permitting processes of BOEM and BSEE to assure that permits for both traditional and non-traditional energy are being handled in an efficient and cost effective manner,” Luthi said.