Impact and Importance
Give specific examples of how the department positively affects society
The department engaged in 429 Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and at least 625 other collaborative R&D relationships
They also managed 58 active licenses for inventions and other intellectual property, which collectively earned $67,694; and published over 900 reports, books, papers, fact sheets, and other documents.
What are the main functions and roles
Its main functions include managing public lands and minerals, national parks, and wildlife refuges and upholding Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and Native Alaskans
What are the key challenges that the department faces?
COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change
Provide an overview of the department’s leadership
It manages public lands and minerals, national parks, and wildlife refuges and upholds Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and Native Alaskans.
Discuss what the department is currently doing
The department is creating jobs through major investments in infrastructure, building the momentum for a clean energy future, and restoring our public lands and waters
Why is the work of this department vital to the government and the public
The Department of the Interior plays a central role in how the United States stewards its public lands, advances clean energy projects, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.
How does the department serve the American public?
It increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes
What are the department's future plans and goals
The Department will invest more than $30 billion to address environmental and safety hazards associated with abandoned mine lands and orphaned gas and oil wells; strengthen how we prevent, respond to, and rehabilitate lands affected by wildland fire; proactively address water storage, recycling, etc.
Who are the current Secretary and notable past leaders?
The current Secretary of the Department of Interior is Deb Haaland. Past leaders include Ray Lyman Wilbur, Harold L. Ickes, Julius A. Krug, and Oscar L. Chapman.
How do these programs impact Americans or solve problems?
The Department of the Interior plays a central role in how the United States stewards its public lands, advances clean energy projects, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.
What do you think the future of the department is
The future of the Department of the Interior will likely focus on balancing conservation efforts with the demands of energy development, particularly with the push for renewable energy and climate change mitigation. The department’s role in addressing environmental challenges and sustainability will be pivotal, as it adapts to evolving environmental policies and technological advancements in natural resource management.