OBAMA DOI PICK SAYS ‘YES WE CAN’

Senator to push energy issues as Interior chief
Dina Cappiello, January 15, 2009 (AP via Yahoo News)

“Sen. Ken Salazar said Thursday he would help wean the U.S. off foreign oil if he leads the Interior Department, telling lawmakers at his confirmation hearing that he would seek to expand renewable energy on public lands and promote the "wise use" of traditional energy sources…Salazar said he would work ‘to make sure that we get energy independence, that we take the moon shot to energy we can take and we really set America free.’

“After the hearing, Salazar made it clear that, if confirmed, he wants the Interior Department to play an even larger role in energy policy…’In many ways, the Department of Interior is 'the real energy department' because we house the assets that are used as part of our energy role for this nation…’

“In his four years in the Senate, Salazar, 53, has been a champion for what he calls "responsible" energy production on public lands. He opposed efforts by the Bush administration to open up Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but helped broker a deal allowing more offshore production.

“Salazar also has been a vocal advocate of renewable energy.

“Prior to joining the Senate, Salazar was the Colorado attorney general and headed the state's natural resources department.

“The Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee is expected to endorse Salazar's nomination…”