The Denver Business Journal has again named Denver partner Ken Salazar one of the most influential leaders in Colorado’s energy industry. The recognition, part of the publication’s annual “Who’s Who in Energy” awards, recognizes leaders from a variety of industries including law, accounting, finance, oil and gas, utilities, midstream and education. Mr. Salazar has been recognized multiple times with this honor.

“There is arguably no individual more closely associated with energy and energy independence in Colorado than Ken Salazar,” said Thomas Strickland, a partner and co-chair of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Practice at WilmerHale. “It is no surprise that Ken would repeatedly be recognized with this honor because he has had an enormous impact on Colorado’s energy economy as a member of both the public and private sectors.”

As a member of the public sector, Mr. Salazar has represented the energy interests of Coloradans while serving as executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Attorney General, US Senator and Secretary of the Interior. As Secretary, Mr. Salazar helped lead US energy efforts in developing and implementing President Obama’s “all of the above” energy strategy, which included overseeing the development of conventional and renewable energy resources. He also led the effort to permit more than 11,000 MW of power on public lands from solar, wind and geothermal sources (the equivalent of power from 30 regular power plants).

Today, Mr. Salazar continues to influence Colorado’s energy economy through his work with some of the most significant energy companies in Colorado and across the US. As an attorney, he advises major national and Colorado-based clients on issues in the environment and natural resources space.