Kate MacGregor. Via Interior Department.
The Interior Department’s acting Deputy Secretary, Kate MacGregor, has been nominated by President Trump by President Trump to assume that role on a permanent basis.
MacGregor, the department’s deputy chief of staff, has been exercising the power of the Deputy Secretary since May. Her appointment will require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt praised MacGregor nomination.
“Kate is a tremendous leader who has helped shape and strengthen the Department as we continue to execute our initiatives as outlined by President Trump,” Secretary Bernhardt said. “I look forward to her prompt confirmation, so she can continue her service to the American people.”
Prior to serving as deputy chief of staff, MacGregor has held various roles at the department since arriving in January 2017 including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Lands and Minerals Management.
The Pennsylvania native has also worked as an aide on Capitol Hill for two different chairmen of the House Natural Resources Committee.
The Western Caucus, a group of House Republicans, also praised MacGregor’s appointment.
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), the caucus’ chairman, said that “no one works harder than Kate McGregor,” and that he looks forward to her confirmation.
MacGregor received similar support from Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah).
“The intent to nominate Kate is a no brainer decision by the Trump administration,” Bishop said. “Since leaving the Committee, she has brought invaluable experience to the Department and will continue to play an integral role in promoting proper stewardship of our natural resources. I look forward to continued collaboration with her and the Department.”
The Trump administration has sought to ease the regulations of energy production on federal lands of which MacGregor has played a key role. Western Wire previously covered the Interior Department social media campaign to promote those efforts.
In a video posted on the department’s YouTube channel, MacGregor says, “American strength relies on American energy. Production from federal lands creates jobs and keeps energy prices low for American families and businesses. It also generates revenue that goes towards important conservation projects.”
MacGregor has also touted the role of oil and natural gas development on federal lands plays in supporting state budgets. Last year, she took part in a ceremony presenting the state of New Mexico with nearly $500 million in proceeds from lease sales, noting how the state’s embrace of energy production contributes to “rural prosperity.”
