Interior Deputy Nominee Kate MacGregor Pledges Support for at Least a Decade of Offshore Oil & Gas Lease Sales at Confirmation Hearing

The Senate has just concluded its confirmation hearing for Interior Deputy nominee Kate MacGregor, a notable friend to the fossil fuel industry on Capitol Hill and during her time in at the Interior Department during the first Trump administration.

During her confirmation hearing, MacGregor pledged to work with Senator Hyde-Smith (R-MI) on the “Offshore Energy Security Act of 2025,” which would mandate offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico for the next decade, on top of the more than 15 over oil and gas lease sales the Trump administration has planned for 2025. She also expressed support for increasing oil and gas lease sales in Alaska.

 In response, U.S. Campaign Manager Collin Rees said: 

“Last election cycle, the fossil fuel industry spent $445 million to elect and influence Trump and Congress. Kate MacGregor’s nomination is a gift to the industry that donated lavishly to win Trump the presidency. During her time on Capitol Hill and in the Interior Department during the last Trump administration, MacGregor prioritized fossil fuel interests over the good of the American people. Moving from Interior to a top job at NextEra, a fossil fuel-focused energy company, and now back to Interior, MacGregor’s career is a classic example of the revolving-door phenomenon that gives corporations far too much power over our democracy.

“Her support for a decade of at least two offshore oil and gas lease sales is completely incompatible with avoiding the worst impacts of the climate crisis, as well as the Department of Interior’s mandate to protect public lands and waters.  According to the International Energy Agency, no new fossil fuel development is compatible with limiting warming to the 1.5-degree survival limit. Increased offshore lease sales will poison Gulf Coast waters, threatening the health and safety of Gulf South communities.”