I don't believe we should engage in the wholesale giveaway of public lands, which is what the previous administration did.
I do want to be the last Secretary of the Interior that does come before this Committee and says we want to get to energy independence.
Mr. Secretary, when will Americans develop American energy?
I know there are actually three members on this Committee from my home State of Colorado, Congressmen Lamborn and Coffman and Congresswoman ...
We want to be the last. We want to get it done.
There is $17 billion, over $17 billion that should have gone into LWCF that simply hasn't gotten there.
I think it would be good for the economic health of our Nation and of our States.
It was important to invest it in land and water conservation and wildlife and habitat issues that this Committee is so familiar with.
So, my hope is that as I move forward, working with Assistant Secretary Lewis and Director Abbey and Director Birnbaum, that we will be able...
I look forward to working with you and the Members of this Committee over the coming weeks as we continue a dialogue on this legislation.
I think you asked one of the most important questions which this Committee and the Administration, and I as Secretary of the Interior, will ...