Hoeven: Energy Committee Advances Andrea Travnicek’s Nomination to Full Senate

Hoeven: Energy Committee Advances Andrea Travnicek's Nomination to Full Senate

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee has approved Dr. Andrea Travnicek's nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior, sending her nomination to the full Senate for approval.

"The Senate Energy Committee approved Dr. Travnicek's nomination with bipartisan support not only because of her vast technical knowledge, but because she has a proven record of collaborating across all levels of government, as well as with tribes and private stakeholders. Andrea was a trusted advisor and an important member of my staff when I was governor, and has the right background for this position," said Senator Hoeven. "As the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, she will be a great partner as we work to advance critical priorities, including completing more drought-resistant water supply projects in North Dakota, and ensuring we have USGS studies necessary to unlock our nation's energy potential. Andrea's nomination now goes to the full Senate and we'll work to get her confirmed as quickly as possible."

A member of the Senate Energy Committee, Hoeven introduced Dr. Travnicek at her confirmation hearing last week and outlined her depth of experience and qualifications for the role. Additionally, Hoeven and Travnicek discussed issues relevant to agriculture, energy and water development under her role, including:

• Ensuring access to reliable water supplies for North Dakota's communities.
  • Hoeven continues working to advance his legislation to increase authorizations under the Dakota Water Resources Act (DWRA).
  • The increased funding from the Municipal, Rural, and Industrial (MR&I) program is needed to complete water supply projects like the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) and the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS).
• Keeping U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) surveys of oil and gas reserves updated, reflecting the latest technologies and industry practices.
• Maximizing access to taxpayer-owned energy resources, including the abundant oil, gas and coal reserves that fall under federal control.
  • The senator highlighted his North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, which would allow equal-value exchanges to reduce fragmentation of state and tribally-owned lands and minerals, while supporting greater development of these resources.
  • Hoeven also stressed the need to provide regulatory relief and streamline federal permitting.

Dr. Travnicek holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management/Communication from North Dakota State University. During President Trump's first term, she served as a deputy assistant secretary at Interior. Most recently, she was Director of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. As governor, Hoeven appointed her as a senior policy advisor in his office following her service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento, California.

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