DoI hires new Assistant Secretary for Water and Science

Tanya Trujillo has been sworn in as Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science by Secretary Deb Haaland.

“I am thrilled to welcome Tanya Trujillo as Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Water and Science,“ said Secretary Haaland. “From managing the Western water crisis to guiding the Department’s robust research efforts, Tanya’s leadership will be key to ensuring sound scientific integrity supports the work to advance Interior’s mission to protect our lands and waters for generations to come.”

Trujillo will oversee the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Central Utah Project Completion Act Office. She will also guide the nation’s water and science policies to support the environment, represent the secretary of the interior at several events,and prepare proposals for the secretary’s consideration.

“I am honored to have been nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate,” said Assistant Secretary Tanya Trujillo. “At the core of the Department’s work is sound science and resource management. I look forward to working with our dedicated career staffers to deliver for the American people and ensure all communities are heard and respected.”

Tanya has more than 20 years of experience working on complex natural resources management issues and interstate and transboundary water agreements. Tanya’s experience will help lead the Department’s efforts to address worsening drought conditions in the West and support farmers, Tribes, and communities impacted by ongoing water shortages.

She most recently worked as a project director with the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign. Before then, she served as the Executive Director of the Colorado River Board of California. She has served as Senior Counsel to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at Interior. A native New Mexican, Tanya attended Stanford University and the University of Iowa College of Law.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of the Interior