Colo. Sen Salazar Tapped as Interior Secretary

He's to play 'critical role' in moving US toward energy independence

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2008 1:43 AM CST

(Newser) – President-elect Barack Obama has tapped Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar to be his secretary of the interior, sources have told the Denver Post. Salazar is "all but certain" to be given the job this week, pending a background check, the newspaper reports. The first-term senator serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and is the former director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Salazar seconded Obama's nomination at the Democratic Convention in August. He met with Obama's transition team last week to discuss a possible appointment. Salazar is author of legislation called the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment which directed state lottery funds into land conservation. Obama said yesterday his cabinet pick would be key to developing America's energy independence.

Sen. Ken Salazar is expected to be named Interior Secretary. His brother, John, a US Congressman, is among those who could be named to take his Senate seat. (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Todd Yates)

Sen. Salazar, who serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is expected to be appointed Interior Secretary this week. (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)

Sen. Ken Salazar seconds the nomination of Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Colo. Sen Salazar Tapped as Interior Secretary

He's to play 'critical role' in moving US toward energy independence

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Denver Mayor Guns for Salazar's Senate Seat

Hickenlooper interested, joining mix that includes outgoing senator's brother

Obama to Open New Offshore Drilling

Atlantic drilling to open up first time in 20 years

GOP Blocks Obama Interior Dep't Pick

Rejection of top deputy marks first Republican KO of nominee

US Cancels Gas, Oil Leases Near Utah Parks

Administration moves to drilling in environmentally sensitive areas

Obama Adds Centrists Salazar, Vilsack to Cabinet

Salazar brings centrist cred to the team

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Colo. Sen Salazar Tapped as Interior Secretary

He's to play 'critical role' in moving US toward energy independence

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Department of the Interior • Colorado • Ken Salazar • Mark Udall • US Senate • President Obama • Gov. Bill Ritter • Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Denver Mayor Guns for Salazar's Senate Seat

Hickenlooper interested, joining mix that includes outgoing senator's brother

Obama to Open New Offshore Drilling

Atlantic drilling to open up first time in 20 years

GOP Blocks Obama Interior Dep't Pick

Rejection of top deputy marks first Republican KO of nominee

US Cancels Gas, Oil Leases Near Utah Parks

Administration moves to drilling in environmentally sensitive areas

Obama Adds Centrists Salazar, Vilsack to Cabinet

Salazar brings centrist cred to the team

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Newser By Users

Community

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