Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven introduced Dr. Andrea Travnicek at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee hearing this week regarding her nomination as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Hoeven emphasized Travnicek's extensive experience and qualifications for the position, highlighting her potential contributions to agriculture, energy, and water development in North Dakota.

In his remarks, Hoeven engaged with Travnicek and Leslie Beyer, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Lands and Minerals Management, discussing the significance of reliable water supplies for North Dakota. He continues to advocate for increased authorizations under the Dakota Water Resources Act (DWRA) to secure further funding for water supply projects such as the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) and the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS).

Hoeven also addressed the need for updated U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessments of oil and gas reserves, stating, “Through updated USGS surveys, as well as needed regulatory relief and streamlined permitting, we can maximize the benefit of our oil, gas and coal reserves and truly make the U.S. energy dominant.” He highlighted his North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, aimed at enabling equal-value exchanges to enhance resource development while reducing land fragmentation.

Hoeven praised Travnicek's qualifications, noting her background in collaboration across multiple government levels. “Dr. Travnicek has a stellar background for the position of Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. Not only does she have a depth of technical knowledge, but she has a record of collaboration across all levels of government, with tribes and private stakeholders,” he said.

Dr. Travnicek holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management/Communication from North Dakota State University and served as a deputy assistant secretary at the Interior during President Trump's first term. Before this nomination, she was Director of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and she also served as a senior policy advisor under Governor Hoeven after her tenure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento, California.