WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined the Senate in voting unanimously to confirm Michael Connor to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Connor is a Las Cruces native and New Mexico State University graduate, and currently serves as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Udall issued the following statement after the confirmation vote:
"Mike Connor has proven himself to be a smart, thoughtful and effective public servant. As a native New Mexican with about two decades of experience in the public sector, he possesses a wealth of knowledge about matters that are important to New Mexico and that will be invaluable in his position as Deputy Secretary in the Interior Department. Mike has a deep understanding of issues ranging from land and water conservation, to the impacts of climate change, and the challenges facing Indian County. His work on water management and sustainable water use have particularly impressed me as he has responded to the ongoing drought. I am confident that Mike is a great partner for New Mexico and the West, and I look forward to working with him as he steps into this new role."
Udall introduced Connor at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Sept. 17, 2013:
