[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5616-S5618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO DAVID J. HAYES
Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize David J.
Hayes, who stepped down on June 28, 2013, from his position as Deputy
Secretary of the Department of the Interior, and I ask consent that the
following remarks about him and his service be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Selected Remarks on the Work of Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes
elected officials and cabinet secretaries
President of the United States Barack Obama: ``David's
leadership at the Department of the Interior has played an
important role in my Administration's efforts to expand
domestic energy production, including renewable energy as
well as America's oil and natural gas resources. His
expertise has helped shape our approach to conservation and
our efforts to combat climate change, and as the Chair of the
interagency working group on energy development in Alaska he
has ensured that decisions we make regarding the Arctic are
based on the best science. I am also grateful for David's
work to help usher in important water rights and legal
settlements that will help restore trust and strengthen our
relationship with Indian Country.''
Sally Jewell, Secretary of Interior: ``David has been a key
architect for nearly every significant initiative undertaken
at Interior over the last four years,'' said Secretary of the
Interior Sally Jewell. ``From his work on expanding renewable
energy production on public lands and waters, to coordinating
federal family energy activities in Alaska, to developing a
landscape-scale approach to conservation and climate change,
David has left an indelible mark.''
Ken Salazar, Former Secretary of Interior: ``Over the last
4 years, you have distinguished yourself as a key leader in
implementing the President's agenda at the Department of the
Interior. Your historic work on energy and climate change,
conservation, Native Americans and water challenges have been
at the heart of an Obama legacy and will last forever.''
``On the energy front, you have been one of the key players
in the Administration, implementing the President's all-of-
the-above energy strategy . . . You have played a key role in
helping create a conservation legacy for the President. Your
work has included helping define the future for the Atlantic
and Arctic Circle, new urban parks, Gulf Coast Restoration,
and the creation of a National Blueway System for America's
rivers. The conservation community holds you in the highest
regard.''
``As the Chief Operating Officer of the Department, you
have led historic reforms in the organization of Interior
including overhauling the agencies that oversee oil and gas
production on public lands and implementing the numerous
efficiency measures necessary for these tough fiscal times .
. . ''
``Your results oriented approach to solving problems makes
me very proud of you. In contributing to a lasting
Presidential legacy, you have helped create a better world
for humanity through your dedication, loyalty, and
indefatigable energy.''
Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK): ``I note with deep regret the
decision of Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes to
retire from public life,'' said Cole. ``David Hayes has been
one of the most gifted and accomplished public servants of
his generation. He served the Administration and, more
importantly, the country with skill, integrity, vision and
leadership.
``Among his many accomplishments, the most noteworthy is
surely his settlement of the so-called Cobell lawsuit on
terms that were not only beneficial to the government but
fair to hundreds of thousands of Native Americans and to
tribal governments. It was David who recognized a problem and
turned it into a solution, not only in terms of just
compensation to Indians for years of mismanagement of their
trust accounts but for tribal governments as well. His
proposal to use part of the settlement to purchase
fractionated lands and return them to productive use will
benefit individual Indians and tribal governments in
perpetuity. Moreover, the addition of a scholarship fund for
needy American Indian students, as a component of the
settlement, will benefit generations to come.
``On countless issues, including the complex Oklahoma water
issue, efforts to partner with Indian tribes for the
management of federal properties and initiatives to foster
and speed up the development of resources in Indian Country,
David led with skill, finesse and innovation. Moreover, he
did so in ways that were inclusive, bipartisan and
transparent.
``I wish David every success in private life. However, I
certainly hope at some time in the future, he returns to
public service. He is simply too gifted and capable to remain
on the sidelines as the great public issues of the day are
discussed, debated and solved.''
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska): ``David Hayes has been a
good partner to Alaska. Together, we made significant
progress on streamlining OCS permitting, and Alaska saw the
first offshore wells drilled in decades. I know that without
his commitment to the Alaska Interagency Working Group, we
would not have seen that progress.''
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.): ``I have long known
David to be an ingenious problem solver who has demonstrated
time and again that he can close the deal on solutions for
the West's great battles over natural resources.''
``I will never forget David Hayes and Secretary Ken Salazar
coming to my home in Washington on a Sunday morning to work
on a solution that would dramatically improve the [water]
allocation. David rolled up his sleeves and worked diligently
until we had a workable solution.''
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): ``I appreciate David's
willingness to engage on difficult issues important to
Alaskans, including contentious land management policies and
offshore oil and gas development. The Alaska Interagency
Working Group, which he headed, was central to improving the
permitting process for offshore exploration. We did not
always see eye to eye on what was best for Alaska, but David
was effective and fair, and always brought honesty and
integrity to what were sometimes tough discussions. I am
sorry to see him leave.''
President Ben Shelly, Navajo Nation: ``Mr. Hayes has . . .
tackled difficult topics with aplomb, including water rights
settlements, energy development negotiations, and the non-
renewable energy dependence of the Navajo Nation. He's
demonstrated so with the utmost professionalism and
understanding of the difficulty of the Navajo Nation . . .''
Stakeholders and colleagues
Laura Crane, The Nature Conservancy: ``The Nature
Conservancy commends David Hayes for his commitment to find
workable solutions that support renewable energy goals and
protect the needs of people and nature. The approach
developed for solar development on federal land under Mr.
Hayes' leadership represents an important step forward in how
energy can be smartly developed on our public lands and
should serve as a model for how the Bureau of Land Management
addresses all forms of energy development.''
Helen O'Shea, NRDC: ``David Hayes has been a major leader
of the Interior Department during the Obama Administration
just as he was during the Clinton Administration. He has left
a tremendous legacy, particularly in connection with the
development of the Department's new program for managing
solar resources of the public lands.''
Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited: ``David Hayes defines all that
is good about public service . . . He understands the
imperative of protecting special places such as Bristol Bay,
Alaska--the world's most important salmon fishery--from
industrial mining. Yet, in a demonstration of his balance, he
also led Interior's push to expand renewable energy
development on public lands while protecting fish, wildlife
and water resources.''
``David is smart, hard-working and very responsive to
constituents, regardless of what side of the aisle they sit.
He is a strong advocate of using collaboration to resolve
vexing natural resource problems such as on the Klamath and
Penobscot rivers where dam removal will open hundreds of
miles for migrating salmon and other ocean-going fish. He
will be missed.''
[[Page S5617]]
John Podesta, Center for American Progress: ``Serving two
presidents with honor and distinction, David Hayes has helped
solve some of the nation's most complicated natural-resources
challenges over the past two decades. He has brokered
everything from water deals in California to the settlements
of longstanding injustices in Indian country. He has been a
leader in helping us prepare for the impacts of climate
change on America's lands while ushering in a new era of
smartly planned renewable-energy development in the Southwest
and off our coasts. He has rightly earned a reputation as an
honest broker, a tireless worker, a dedicated public servant,
and an MVP when it comes to preserving America's great
spaces.''
Greg Pensabene, America's Natural Gas Alliance: ``During a
time when technological advances associated with natural gas
production have created new opportunities for our country,
David has emphasized the need for safe and responsible
development, while recognizing the important role that this
abundant, American fuel plays in improving national security,
cleaning the air, and jumpstarting our economy.''
Jim Lanard, Offshore Wind Development Coalition: ``Since
May 2009, when he was confirmed Deputy Secretary by a
unanimous vote of the U.S. Senate, David Hayes has been a
leader for offshore wind in the United States. While the
industry is more than 20 years old in Europe, it is brand new
here. Deputy Secretary Hayes understood this and impressively
led his team to bring U.S. regulations into the 21st century.
Under `Smart from the Start,' he prepared federal and state
governments to build a future for offshore wind energy.''
National Congress of American Indians: ``Deputy Secretary
David Hayes will depart the Department of Interior having
left an indelible mark on the federal trust relationship
between the federal government and tribal nations. He has
been a consistent presence in Indian Country working
tirelessly to uphold our nation-to-nation relationship. As a
key member of Secretary Salazar's team during the first term
of the Obama Administration, David will be part of a legacy
that has launched a new era in federal-tribal relations and
set a new baseline for the Department of the Interior's
engagement with tribal nations.''
Jamie Williams, The Wilderness Society: ``David leaves
behind a tremendous conservation legacy at the Department of
Interior, and we are deeply grateful for his work over the
last four years.''
McKie Campbell, Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee: ``I think whether you're agreeing with him or
disagreeing with him on issues, David has established a good
reputation as a square shooter . . . He listens, he
communicates with people well, he's fair.''
Randall Luthi, National Ocean Industries Association:
``David Hayes was an experienced and often calm head through
some very trying times both at the Department of the Interior
and for the offshore oil and gas industry. He also made the
effort to meet with industry officials, from large to small
companies, to understand their concerns. Certainly decisions
were made that may not have been industry's first choice, but
he listened.''
Dean Elizabeth Magill, Stanford Law School: ``David has
proven himself to be a visionary, effective, and wise policy
maker.''
Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton Administration official:
``(A)mong the top three or four most important Democrats on
natural resources issues in the last 20 years . . . Hayes has
ridden point with Secretary Salazar on many critical issues,
including offshore Alaska leases, siting of renewable energy
on public lands and fracking regulations that allow for
responsible shale development . . . It's hard to imagine
anyone more expert in balancing the demands of resource
protection, energy development and public uses of our
national lands.''
Marilyn Heiman, Pew Center for the Environment: ``Few
policymakers have the knowledge and the strategic capacity to
navigate complex and challenging natural resource issues and
reach successful outcomes as David.''
``I don't agree with all the decisions that have been made
by the Department of Interior on offshore drilling, but I
think they have been really well vetted and really thoroughly
reviewed, and I have to say that I hadn't seen that kind of
work in the past.''
``This is a complicated area with a lot of different
constituencies. He has immersed himself in the nuts and
bolts.''
Phil Taylor, E&E reporter: ``Hayes' work as a diplomat on
Capitol Hill has been seen as an asset for the Obama
administration as it tackles controversial land management
challenges ranging from hydraulic fracturing to the
management of sage grouse, wolves, wind power and national
monuments on public lands.''
``Hayes, who also served as counselor and deputy secretary
during the Clinton administration, had a hand in nearly every
significant Interior policy over the past four . . . years He
is credited with leading efforts to respond to and prepare
for climate change at a landscape scale.''
``Under President Clinton, Hayes is credited with
conserving old-growth redwoods in Northern California,
pushing for the restoration of California's bay-delta
ecosystem, and settling long-standing American Indian water
rights disputes.''
``Hayes drew praise among conservation leaders and
sportsmen's groups, which credited him with expanding
renewable energy production on public lands while protecting
valued habitats.''
``Described by some as a policy wonk, Hayes is known for
his attention to detail and has been seen poring over stacks
of binders in the Interior library. Sources say he reads many
of the department's environmental impact statements, fat
books that weigh the potential environmental outcomes of
agency decisions.''
Excerpts from emails to Deputy Secretary Hayes
From current and former DOI employees
``Please know that your work never went unnoticed in the
field, and we are very grateful to you for your support
throughout the years.''
``I am simply writing to say thank you. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart, and with the utmost sincerity, for
placing the arctic on the national agenda. We are an arctic
nation, and thank you so much for all of the tireless hours
you have dedicated to the north, its people, and associated
issues and concerns . . . I have developed a deep respect for
you from a considerable lateral and vertical distance, and I
want you to know that all of your hard work has meant a lot
to at least one person in this wonderful state of Alaska.''
``I have appreciated your intelligence, your wit, and your
thoughtful approach to managing the myriad of complicated
issues here at the Department, and your work ethic has been
nothing short of inspiring.''
``Your keen interest in Alaska and our multi-faceted (i.e.
gnarly) issues has been particularly helpful to our work
here. Your knowledge of all things big and small never ceased
to amaze me. I hope that the many things that you started and
shepherded will continue to their good end that you
envisioned.''
``David, you've been such a mentor to me, and I credit a
lot of my personal successes to your guidance and support. As
for your time at the Interior Department, you always were the
smartest person in the room, and an inspiring leader. And of
course, and you've helped make history in overseeing DOI's
incredible conservation and renewable energy work.''
``I know I speak for everyone who's had the chance to work
closely with you over the past four years when I say that you
will be very dearly missed here. I find it hard to imagine
the Deputy Secretary's office, the Department and countless
individual initiatives without your leadership and vision.''
``I learned much in my time at DOI and from you. One
particular lesson was the importance of having a Deputy
Secretary that understands DC and is willing to take the hits
for the Secretary again and again. I know this was invaluable
for the Secretary's agenda and for Interior.''
I want you to know that from my perspective as a career
employee of almost 25 years, I can say honestly, and without
any ulterior motives, that your legacy in Indian Country is
one to be proud of and I think pretty darned unsurpassed.
There are few thank yous in this business and I know that is
not what motivates you. But I for one think you have done a
great job and everyone is going to see how good it was once
you are gone. I know that there are many others, tribal
leaders included, who share my opinion.
From stakeholders
``Selfishly, we are sad you are leaving the Department. It
has been great working with you. As all the press reports
say--you brought a very high standard to the Department and
this will not be easy for the Secretary to replace . . . It
has been a full term of work and so many challenges. We have
appreciated your strong interest in Alaska and the Arctic,
your dedication and hard work, your trust very much.''
``As you know, I'd feared this decision was coming for some
time . . . Wanted you to know that I feel indebted to you for
the continuing time, attention, expertise and consistent
commitment that you've always made to elevate and address
California-related conservation issues. You have made a real
difference in your work at the Department--and beyond--over
now two different Administrations.''
``I can't begin to fathom all the pressures and demands
that have been placed upon you. Nevertheless, you were always
willing to engage on issues of conservation concern, you were
unfailingly gracious, you led the effort to bring appropriate
attention to Arctic issues, and I am confident that you had a
central role in securing the gains that have been made, in
particular the balanced approach to management of the NPR-A,
for which I am especially grateful.''
``I can't always agree with where we end up but the fact is
you've been the highest ranking US official in 30 years to
constantly give this Arctic part of the world attention, and
that's worthy of recognition and gratitude.''
``No one has contributed more to the spirit of conservation
and the wise use of our nation's resources than you have over
the past 20 years.''
``I had the pleasure of working for over 30 years as a
Federal employee and worked with many outstanding leaders. In
my estimation your contributions elevate you to the top tier
of leadership. I have always been impressed with your
outstanding ability to listen, to remain positive, to be
accessible and maybe most of all in these challenging times
to be honest in your assessment and discussions about your
views.''
Colleagues
``We could not have made it without your support, your
intervention at all the right
[[Page S5618]]
times, and your full participation . . . We owe you a debt of
gratitude; and for me, personally, it has helped remind me
yet again of what true public service looks like.''
``You are going to be sorely missed in the Department. Your
record over the years is incredibly impressive. I hope that
you will be able to look back in the years ahead and see how
your work lives on in so many ways and for so many millions
of people. I am proud to know you and to call you a friend
and colleague.''
``This is a huge loss for our community . . . From the
fiery speech you delivered at the Great Outdoors America
reception in 2011 to your focus on regional energy issues in
Alaska, it was refreshing to have such a strong friend of
conservation at DOI.''
``I am sad for the public lands and great places in America
that you are leaving the Department of the Interior . . . You
have been the best possible advocate for everything that is
most important to me.''
``It is a big loss for us today in the Obama
Administration. We are all so sad to see you go . . . You
have a big fan club and will be so sorely missed!''
``You have been a steady, smart, and fun ally and friend
throughout. I appreciate you and will miss you during the
rest of my time in the Obama Administration.''
____________________