Statement of Pam Kiely, program director of Environment Colorado
"Environment Colorado congratulates Sen. Ken Salazar on his nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior. Sen. Salazar is thoughtful, strategic, and willing to stand up to industry interests to protect the environment.
"In Washington, Sen. Salazar fought to protect our nation’s treasures such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He’s championed wilderness for Dominguez Canyon, Browns Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Sen. Salazar has championed a cautious approach to oil shale to protect our public lands and water resources.
"As director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Ken Salazar authored the most important program to protect state lands, Great Outdoors Colorado. His work has helped protect over 850,000 acres of open space under that program.
"Of course we haven’t agreed on every issue, but Sen. Salazar has always been willing to sit down and have an honest discussion.
"Sen. Salazar opposed the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 58.5 million acres of National Forest land. As Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, Sen. Salazar should reaffirm President Barack Obama’s support for the Roadless Rule and work with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure immediate protection.
"We also look forward to working with Sen. Salazar in his new position to reform our nation’s outdated mining law, where he can play a key role by holding industry accountable. And, Sen. Salazar should work to ensure a fully funded National Park System and preserve our nation’s great natural legacy.”
