Overview

• Laura Daniel-Davis, a senior official in the Department of the Interior, has been promoted by the Biden administration to the role of acting deputy secretary, succeeding the outgoing deputy, Tommy Beaudreau.
• Despite being blocked from a lesser position by Sen. Joe Manchin earlier in the year due to her proposed oil and gas lease proposal that charged higher tariffs to oil companies, Daniel-Davis is set to take on the department's second-in-command role.
• The promotion has sparked criticism from Republicans, including Sen. John Barrasso, who argues that Daniel-Davis has continually undermined the nation's energy and mineral security by limiting access to crucial minerals and restricting oil and gas leasing on federal lands.
• Davis-Daniel's views on energy matters, including her prioritization of climate agenda over energy security, have been a cause for concern among some members of the Senate, leading to a failed confirmation on two instances.
• In taking on this new role, Davis-Daniel pledges to continue to prioritize partnerships with states, tribes, industry, non-profit organizations and academia to guide the department's decision-making process.