"Senate Panel To Vote Thursday on Interior Nominee Sally Jewell"

"WASHINGTON -- The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will vote Thursday on Sally Jewell’s nomination as Interior secretary. The vote comes two weeks after the REI chief executive’s sometimes-pointed confirmation hearing before the committee’s 12 Democrats and 10 Republicans."

"Jewell’s ties to conservationist causes drew sharp questions from committee members who support more aggressive energy exploration on federal lands.

Still, her nomination is expected to clear the panel. A vote by the full Senate is expected shortly after, clearing the way for Jewell to replace Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who has said he plans to leave at the end of March."

Kyung M. Song reports for the Seeattle Times March 19, 2013.