President Obama appointed REI CEO Sally Jewell as the next Department of Interior secretary. National Mining Association President and CEO Hal Quinn said he is “encouraged” by the Jewell nomination to “incentivize responsible development” of the mining sector.
As the nation’s largest consumer cooperative with 4.7 million members, REI sells outdoor gear and apparel while engaging in service projects on public lands, including grants connecting people to nature and sustainable stewardship. To date, REI has also facilitated 3 million hours of volunteer service in parks and natural spaces nationwide.
“Ms. Jewell would bring a wealth of experience to her new position overseeing the vast mineral and coal resources of the federal government,” said Quinn, while noting the urgent need for reforms in the U.S. permitting process. “The great majority of minerals critical to manufacturing and national defense and consumer products are located on lands managed by the department. But a permitting system among the slowest and least efficient of the world’s regions inhibits investment and potential to create high-wage employment.”
