Sen. Murkowski fires shot across Interior pick’s bow

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) wants assurances from REI CEO Sally Jewell that she won’t focus exclusively on camping and canoes at the Interior Department.

Murkowski, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s top Republican and strong supporter of oil-and-gas development, fired a shot across the bow of the White House nominee for Interior secretary on Thursday.

“We need you to affirm that public lands provide not just a playground for recreational enthusiasts, but also paychecks for countless energy producers, miners, loggers, and ranchers,” Murkowski said at Jewell’s nomination hearing.

Jewell praised what she called the wisdom of multiple congresses and presidents in protecting "crown jewels" in the nation’s forests, seashores, parks, rivers and other areas.

But she also vowed commitment to a “balanced” approach to the job at Interior, which oversees vast amounts of public lands located largely in western states.

Jewell said she backs President Obama’s often repeated vow of support for an “all of the above” energy strategy that develops both fossil fuels and renewable energy.

“Public lands are also huge economic engines. Through energy development, through grazing, logging, tourism and outdoor recreation, our lands and waters power our economy and create jobs. Balance is absolutely critical,” Jewell said.

Jewell also worked in commercial banking and the oil industry before taking over REI, the outdoor gear giant.