Simply stated, short of a crime, anything goes at the highest levels of the Department of the Interior.

If confirmed, my first priority will be to lead the Interior Department with openness in decision-making, high ethical standards, and respect for scientific integrity.

I do.

President-Elect Obama believes, as I do, that our foreign oil dependence is a grave threat to our national security, our planet, and our economy.

I liken it, always, to the election of Abraham Lincoln or to the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

I want the public to be proud of the Department's work, and I want those who work for the Department to be proud of their service.

I am honored to appear before you today as President-elect Obama's nominee to be Secretary of the Interior.

I want this Department to be America's Department.

I think President-elect Obama brings the kind of change and hope to America that is of the kind that this country so needs.

In this fiscally constrained environment, I believe you will need to look for new and innovative ways to acquire capability for our Armed Forces.

I do believe that, with you and the members of this committee, we're going to, this time, not miss the moon shot on energy independence that we fought so hard together for.

Senator Salazar has always demonstrated respect and support for the Tribe.

He is keenly aware of the challenges facing the Department of the Interior as well as those facing Indian Country.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is proud to congratulate Senator Ken Salazar on his recent nomination as the next Secretary of the Interior.

The Tribe anticipates more focused management of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and its sister agencies within Interior.

Ken Salazar worked tirelessly to support the State of Colorado's role in being a national leader in the implementation of Preserve America programs.

Ken Salazar championed multiple pieces of legislation creating historic designations throughout the State of Colorado.

As Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Senator Salazar established the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) open space and parks program.