Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Interior

  • by BPC Staff
  • on February 27, 2014
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NEWS RELEASE

February 27, 2014

 

Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Interior

 

On Thursday, February 27, the United States Senate confirmed Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Interior in a roll call vote, 97-0.

 

“It is an honor to have been selected by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior and be able to continue my work alongside important partners such as the NWRA [National Water Resources Association],” said Connor. “Secretary Sally Jewell shares my commitment to build upon our strong foundation of partnerships while taking on the challenges of today and the future. The experience gained by leading the Bureau of Reclamation during the past five years will provide a solid foundation for my new role in the Department.”

NWRA President Tom Myrum issued a statement of support. “Michael Connor has the experience and dedication necessary to effectively lead Interior’s operations and give voice to Western water issues on a national scale. NWRA looks forward to continuing its working relationship with Mr. Connor in his new capacity as Deputy Secretary.”

NWRA Executive Vice-President, and former Reclamation Commissioner, Robert Johnson added, “As Commissioner, Michael Connor was a strong advocate for securing western water supplies. We look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Mr. Connor has served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation since 2009, leading efforts to address the sustainable use of water and promote water supply and power generation throughout the West.

Prior to his tenure as Reclamation Commissioner, Mr. Connor served in Interior’s Office of the Solicitor from 1993-2001 and as Director of the Secretary’s Indian Water Rights Office. Mr. Connor subsequently served as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Connor has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Mexico State University, and a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. He is admitted to the bars of Colorado and New Mexico.