The Department of Interior has named a temporary replacement for Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau, who recently resigned.

The role is an important one when it comes to dealing with the shrinking supply of Colorado River water.

The department named Laura Daniel-Davis as its acting deputy secretary.

She received stiff Senate opposition when she was nominated to a previous post but has received praise from conservation groups.

She’ll likely be part of ongoing negotiations as states look for new ways to manage the Colorado River’s water supply.

"And obviously when you look at the Interior Department`s portfolio, addressing drought and water management and the Colorado River is right up there at the top of the list," said Aaron Weiss of the Center for Western Priorities.

Daniel-Davis has worked with a number of previous interior secretaries, including Bruce Babbitt, the former Arizona governor.