OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Governor Jay Inslee calls President Obama’s choice for Secretary of the Interior “a friend.” The President Wednesday announced REI CEO Sally Jewell as his choice to replace Ken Salazar.
Inslee says Jewell -- a Seattle-area native -- believes natural resource protection and economic development can go hand-in-hand.
“There is economic value in our natural resources, not just from our extractive industries, but from recreational industries, from the provision of clean air and clean water," Inslee says. "And she really understands that.”
Inslee says Jewell previously helped him as a Congressman make the case for natural resource conservation.
The Democratic governor adds that he hopes there’s also a spot in the new Obama cabinet for his predecessor -- former Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. She is an oft-mentioned short-list candidate for various federal posts.
On the Web:
Video: Remarks by President Obama and Sally Jewell (CSPAN)
REI statement on Jewell's nomination (REI)
