Deb Haaland Will Be the First Native American Interior Secretary

Rep. Deb Haaland will be the first Native American interior secretary of the United States, Washington Post reports.

According to the Post, President-elect Joe Biden has tapped the New Mexico congresswoman as a historic pick for a department that oversees the country's natural resources, including tribal lands.

Haaland, a first-term member of the House of Representatives, has pledged to transform the department from a champion of fossil fuel development into one that promotes renewable energy and policies to combat climate change.

After the pick was announced, several key political players congratulated Haaland on the historic appointment.

"A visionary Native woman in charge of federal lands. Unequivocally progressive. Green New Deal champion. Exquisitely experienced," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. "@RepDebHaaland sister, you are going to do such a great job. I am so proud of you and the movement."

Prior to her selection, Haaland gained support from environmental groups, indigenous peoples' advocates, and other members of Congress.

"Haaland knows the territory, and if she is the President-elect's choice for Interior Secretary, then he will have made an excellent choice," Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Haaland won reelection to represent her New Mexico district for a second term.