David J. Hayes: Interior’s Leaked Strategic Plan “Reckless”

Washington, DC — David J. Hayes, executive director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law and former Interior deputy secretary in the Obama and Clinton Administrations, released the following statement on the Interior Department’s draft strategic plan:

“Climate denial is alive and well in Trump’s Interior Department. It is stunning that the Department responsible for stewarding America’s natural resources fails to acknowledge, prepare for, or respond to the climate-enhanced floods, droughts and wildfires that are devastating communities across America. Further, the Department’s focus on expanding fossil fuel development -- while relegating America’s vast renewable energy resources to a virtual footnote -- is nothing short of reckless. After all, millions of acres in already-leased lands remain idle.

“We can hope the final plan embraces the Department’s conservation mission, forthrightly addresses threats to climate change and pursues a clean energy future. Sadly, though, Secretary Zinke and his team appear fully engaged in implementing this draft plan.”

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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.