Ken Salazar

In December 2008, President Barack Obama selected then-US Senator Salazar to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Interior. Mr. Salazar was confirmed as the 50th Secretary of the Interior by a unanimous US Senate vote on January 20, 2009. Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Salazar served as United States Senator for Colorado, winning the election in 2004 and serving on the Energy and Natural Resources and Finance Committees, which oversaw the nation's energy, natural resources, tax, trade, social security and healthcare systems. He also served on the Agriculture, Ethics, Veterans Affairs and Aging Committees.

As Secretary, Mr. Salazar helped to lead the United States energy efforts in developing and implementing President Obama's energy strategy. The effort included overseeing the exploration and development of conventional and renewable energy resources on the nation's public lands and oceans, and working on matters relating to climate change, exploration of frontier areas like the Arctic, leading the successful response to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, and overhauling the regulatory oversight of oil and gas exploration and production. He also created the five-year plan that governs the leasing for oil and exploration for the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic Seas.

During that time, Mr. Salazar 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 more than 30 regular power plants) and developed the blueprint for future siting and development of these resources, including high-priority transmission infrastructure projects. As part of his renewable energy efforts, he also created the first offshore wind energy plan for the Atlantic Ocean and awarded the first leases in American history for offshore wind projects. 

As Secretary, Mr. Salazar also led the nation's efforts on conservation, including the creation of 10 National Parks and 10 National Conservation and Wildlife Refuges, and organized more than 100 other conservation and preservation projects in the United States. He also led the successful resolution of bilateral conservation efforts with Mexico and Canada along the two borders and in the Arctic.

Mr. Salazar also led the President's initiatives in creating a new chapter with the 566 Native American tribes and Alaska Natives. This effort included the resolution of longstanding conflicts like the Cobell litigation and numerous water rights settlements and permitting the first oil and gas refinery and solar projects in Indian country.

As Secretary, Mr. Salazar appeared before Committees of the United States Congress and provided testimony at more than 30 hearings.

As a US Senator, Mr. Salazar served on key committees, including Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, Ethics and Veterans Affairs. Highlights of that service include the enactment of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Security Act, the 2007 Farm Bill, and the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. In each of these efforts, Mr. Salazar was a central player in putting together the successful bipartisan efforts that created the most significant energy legal framework in US history.

Mr. Salazar also helped lead a bipartisan group of Senators on comprehensive immigration reform, the only significant bipartisan legislative effort on ending the War in Iraq, and the beginning of healthcare reform, which was enacted into law in 2010. As a member of the Ethics Committee, Mr. Salazar was involved in reviewing and resolving ethics matters related to other United States Senators.

As Attorney General, Mr. Salazar served as the top legal officer for the State of Colorado and oversaw thousands of civil and criminal legal matters and investigations before state and federal courts, including the State Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Salazar also exercised the exclusive authority to convene and present matters before the State Grand Jury.

Some of the notable matters investigated and reported on included sexual assault allegations against the University of Colorado football program, the homicide of a Native American young man in southwestern Colorado, the Jon Benet Ramsey homicide, and the review of numerous law enforcement matters relating to the Columbine High School killings. Mr. Salazar also led many investigations relating to securities fraud and consumer protection, including multistate securities fraud and consumer protection matters.

Finally, Mr. Salazar led the resolution of some of the most complex natural resource and environmental conflicts in Colorado history, including longstanding natural resource damage cases at places like the Summitville mine and other CERCLA cases that had been filed some 25 years earlier. As Attorney General, he was involved in several complex interstate water disputes in the United States Supreme Court.

From 1987 to 1994, Mr. Salazar served first as Chief Legal Counsel and then as Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the Governor of Colorado.

As Chief Legal Counsel for the Governor, Mr. Salazar worked on all important matters to the State of Colorado, including economic development, crisis management, and appointments to all courts, including the Colorado Supreme Court. Mr. Salazar also oversaw the Governor's efforts on criminal justice, corrections, parole and commutation matters.

As Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources, Mr. Salazar spearheaded all efforts on oil and gas, mineral, water, and conservation matters for the State of Colorado.

Besides his public sector experience, Mr. Salazar also has substantial experience in the private practice of law. He practiced natural resources and water law for 11 years in the major Denver law firms of Sherman & Howard and Parcel, Mauro, Hultin and Spaanstra. In his practice, Mr. Salazar represented ski areas, land developers, farmers and mining companies in both transactional and litigation matters. About 50 percent of his time was focused on addressing water rights matters.

Mr. Salazar received a JD degree from the University of Michigan and a political science degree from Colorado College. He later received honorary doctorates of law from Colorado College, the University of Denver and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Mr. Salazar has served on numerous boards and commissions, including:

• Member, Target Corporation Board of Directors, 2013
• Member, US Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, 2012-2013
• Chairman, US Tourism Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness, 2012-2013
• Member, White House Domestic Policy Council, 2009-2013
• Chairman, National Park Foundation, 2009-2013
• Chairman, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, 2009-2013
• Chairman, Interagency Group on Insular Areas, 2009-2013
• Member, South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, 2009-2013
• Member, Trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2009-2013
• Member, National Ocean Council, 2009-2013
• Senior US Official, US Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative,2009-2013
• Arctic Policy Group, 2009-2013
• Tourism Policy Group, 2009-2013
• America's Great Outdoors Council, 2009-2013
• Chairman, Conference of Western Attorneys General, 2002-2003
• Chairman, National Association of Attorneys General Environment Committee, 1999-2003
• Chairman, Peace Officers Standards and Training Board, 1999-2005
• State of Colorado Claims Board, 1999-2004
• Colorado College Board of Trustees, 1999-2004
• Colorado Water Conservation Board, 1999-2004
• Chairman, Rio Grande Compact Commission, 1995-1998
• Western Water Policy Review Advisory Commission, 1995-1998
• Chairman, Sangre de Cristo Land Grant Commission, 1993-1995
• Chair, Great Outdoors Colorado Board, 1993-1994
• City and County of Denver Ethics Recommendations Panel, 1993
• Department of Local Affairs Mineral Impact Advisory Committee,1990-1994
• Colorado Water Conservation Board, 1990-1994

2017

• Recognition by The Best Lawyers in America for environmental and natural resources law

2016

• Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy and Research Organization's Federico Pena Lifetime Achievement Award
• Recommended by The Legal 500 United States for government relations
• Recognition by The Best Lawyers in America for environmental law

2015

• The National Law Journal's Energy & Environmental Trailblazer Award

2013

• Colorado Conservation Trust Lifetime Achievement Award
• Colorado Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society Award of Excellence
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Chairman's Award
• Colorado Hispanic Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award
• Ducks Unlimited 2012 Conservation Achievement Award
• United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award
• The Wilderness Society Ansel Adams Award

2012

• 2012 Cesar Chavez Legacy Award
• 2012 Colorado College Champion of the Rockies Award
• Audubon Florida: 2012 Champion of the Everglades
• Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades: 2012 Champion of the Everglades
• Latino Leaders magazine's Most Influential Leaders for 2011

2011

• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: CHCI Chair's Award
• Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership – Annual Leadership Award
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Chairman's Award
• Recreation Vehicles Dealers Association: Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award
• Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award

2010

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Chairman's Award
• National Park Trust: American Park Experience Award

2008

• 2008 Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts Friend of Conservation Award
• 2008 Hispanic National Bar Association's Capital Award
• 2008 National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Award
• 2008 The Fund for American Studies' Institute on Business and Government Affairs Congressional Scholarship Award
• 2008 Soil Science Society of America's Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award
• 2008 National Farmers Union Golden Triangle Award
• Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation's Friend of the Farm Bureau Award
• Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Public Service Award
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Exemplary Policy and Advocacy Leadership Award
• League of United Latin American Citizens Héroe de la Comunidad Award
• National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers President's Award of Merit
• Paralyzed Veterans of America Legislator of the Year Award
• Riverreach/cityWILD Role Model of the Year Award

2007

• 2007 Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award
• 2007 National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. Distinguished Community Health Defender Award
• 2007 National Farmers Union Golden Triangle Award
• 2007 National Parks Association Award
• 2007 Polio Eradication Champion Award - The US Coalition for the Eradication of Polio, Rotary International - Rotary International and its partner organizations in the US Coalition for the Eradication of Polio: The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, The Task Force for Child Survival and Development, The US Fund for UNICEF, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The United Nations Foundation
• 2007 Smithsonian Latino Center Award for Leadership
• Colorado Association of Conservation Districts Legislator of the Year
• Cuban American National Council's Outstanding Hispanic Leader Award
• Eagle Award, Southeast Business Partnership for contribution to economic growth in Southeast Denver
• Golden Gavel Award, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress
• National Association of Wheat Growers US Wheat Associates (NAWG)
• Wheat Advocate Award
• Safe2Tell Recognition Award
• Southeast Business Partnership Eagle Award
• Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo - Recognition Award
• Vale La Pena, Denver Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
• Voices for National Service - Outstanding New Member Award

2006

• Blinded Veterans Association Legislative Recognition Award
• Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame Induction - 5th Annual Denver Public Library Latino Awards Ceremony
• Colorado Adult Education Professional Association Legislator of the Year Award
• Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts Leadership in Land Conservation Award
• Colorado Parks and Recreation Association 2005 Columbine Award
• Land Trust Alliance - In appreciation for H.R. 4, Section 1206, 2006, re expansion of tax incentives for donations of conservation easements and enacting reforms that will provide fair treatment for farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners
• National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. 2006 Distinguished Community Health Defender Award
• The National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. & Foundation - Hispanic Role Model Appreciation
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Honorary Advocates Circle Member
• National Farmers Union - 2006 Golden Triangle Award
• National Recreation and Park Association 2005 National Congressional Award
• Outdoor Industry Association - Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award 2006
• United States Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award
• University of Colorado at Boulder Alumni Congressional Leadership Award

2005

• American Health Care Association & the National Center for Assisted Living - Leading Light of Long Term Care Award 2005
• The Century Council - in recognitions of Your Outstanding Commitment to Fight Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking
• Colorado Parks Association Legislator of the Year Award
• Escuela Tlatelolco - Champions of Change Award for Politics and Social Action
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 2005 Capitol Forum Award
• Hispanic National Bar Association 2005 Pioneer Award
• Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) 14th Annual Bernie Valdez Awards Luncheon - Herrick S. Roth Community Service
• League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) - 2005 President's Award
• National Farmers Union - 2005 Golden Triangle Award
• Pueblo Reunion Committee - Honorary Puebloan Award
• The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) Education Foundation - “Creo” Award
• Urban League of Metro Denver - 2005 McKinley Harris Distinguished Warrior Award

2004

• Conference of Western Attorneys General - Profiles in Courage Award
• Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Government Advocate of the Year Award
• National Conference for Community and Justice - Partner with Community Award

2003

• Catholic Lawyers Guild of Colorado - St. Thomas More Award
• Colorado Trial Lawyers Association - Consumer Protection Award
• Colorado Association of D.A.R.E. Officers - Chief Patrick Ahlstrom Community Service Award
• SafeHouse - Community Impact Award

2002

• Anti-Defamation League Civil Rights Award
• Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
• Colorado Press Association Friend of the First Award
• Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Sol Trujillo National Leadership Award
• Robert G. Boucher Award; Anti-Defamation League Civil Rights Award

2001

• American Jewish Committee Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award
• News4, Wells Fargo, and HRO Celebrate Diversity Award

2000

• Recognition by AARP for Outstanding Service and Leadership on Senior Fraud Issues

1999

• Recognition by the Colorado Conference of Police and Sheriffs in Appreciation for Dedication to Colorado Law Enforcement Agencies

Post-Graduate Honors

• University of Massachusetts – Lowell, Honorary Degree (2012)
• University of Colorado School of Law, Order of the Coif (2006)
• University of Michigan, Distinguished Alumni Award (2002)
• University of Denver School of Law, Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1999)
• Colorado College, Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1993)

Mr. Salazar is a frequent speaker on issues related to energy, conservation and tourism, Native Americans, water and law enforcement. Speaking engagements include:

Energy

February 14, 2013
Governor's Forum on Colorado Agriculture
How Investments in Energy and Infrastructure Can Help Grow Our Economy

September 13, 2012
Center of the American West and Public Lands Foundation Symposium
Standing Up a Renewable Energy Economy

April 24, 2012
National Press Club
"All of the Above" Strategy for Domestic Energy Development

February 14, 2012
City Club of Cleveland
Responsible Development of Our Nation's Domestic Energy Resources

October 11, 2011       
American Wind Energy Association's Annual Offshore WINDPOWER Conference
Toward A Clean Energy Economy

April 14, 2011
Ministerial Forum on Offshore Drilling Containment
Reducing the Risks Associated with Offshore Drilling Around the World

January 19, 2011
National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment on Our Changing Oceans
Safe Oil and Gas Production in the Nation's Oceans - Deconflicting the Missions of Government

October 18, 2010
Society of Geophysicists Conference
A Safe, Secure and Clean Energy Future

October 14, 2010
Solar Power International Conference
Large-Scale Renewable Energy Production on Public Lands

October 6, 2010
American Wind Energy Association's Annual Offshore WINDPOWER Conference
Developing a Clean Energy Economy

September 30, 2010
Woodrow Wilson Center
Toward a Safe, Secure, and Clean Energy Future

December 10, 2009
Global Conference on Climate Change
A New Energy Future for America

November 9, 2009
2009 Great Plains Energy Expo and Showcase
Renewable Energy and Climate Change

September 30, 2009  
Energy Daily's Transmission Siting Policy Summit at the National Press Club
New Transmission Infrastructure for the 21st Century

May 4, 2009
American Wind Energy Association's Annual Offshore WINDPOWER Conference
The Nation's Energy Frontier: Wind Energy Projects on U.S. Public Land

April 1, 2009
25X25 America's Energy Future Summit
Renewable Energy Development on America's Public Lands and Oceans

Conservation and Tourism

January 11, 2013
Miami Chamber of Commerce
The Economic Importance of Tourism and Conservation

January 11, 2013
28th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference
America's Everglades: Our Legacy, Our Future

July 17, 2012
Greater & Greener: Re-Imagining Parks for 21st Century Cities
Building and Expanding America's Great Urban Parks

May 31, 2012
15th Annual International Symposium of the US National Committee for International Council on Monuments and Sites
Capturing and Telling a More Inclusive Story of American History

March 2, 2012
White House Conference on Conservation
Growing America's Outdoor Heritage and Economy

July 14, 2011
US Fish and Wildlife Service Annual National Wildlife Refuges Conference
Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation

April 15, 2011
Celebration of Renovation of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
Martin Luther King Jr. - A Continuing March Toward a More Perfect Union

March 16, 2011
76th Annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference
America's Great Outdoors: The Importance of Outdoor Recreation

January 7, 2011
Annual Everglades Coalition Conference
Conserving Ranches, Working Lands, and Wildlife in the Headwaters of the Everglades

November 16, 2010
National Landscape Conservation System Summit
Growth of the National Landscape Conservation System: An Economic Engine for the New West

April 16, 2010
White House Conference on Conservation
Introducing the America's Great Outdoors Initiative

March 24, 2010
National Landscape Conservation System Ceremony
Celebrating the National Landscape Conservation System's 10th Anniversary

December 4, 2009
Groundbreaking of the Tamiami Trail Bridge at the Everglades National Park
Highlighting the Threat Posed by Accelerating Climate Change

March 30, 2009
White House Event on Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009
Protecting that Which Fuels Our Spirit

Native Americans

December 5, 2012
White House Tribal Nations Conference
Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

December 2, 2011
White House Tribal Nations Conference
Strengthening the Nation to Nation Relationship with Indian Country

December 16, 2010
White House Tribal Nations Conference
Working with Tribal Nations to Build a Brighter Future

November 15, 2010
National Congress of American Indians Convention
Strong Tribal Nations, Strong America

March 4, 2009
Council of Energy Resource Tribes
Native Energy Development and Its Place in America's Future

March 4, 2009
Tribal Nations Legislative Summit of the National Congress of American Indians
Interior's Agenda on First Americans

Water

December 14, 2012
Colorado River Water Users Association's Annual Conference
The Pressing Need to Build upon the Recent Cooperative Successes on Colorado River Management

December 17, 2010
Colorado River Water Users Association's Annual Conference
Managing a River of Issues

January 2002
Colorado Water Congress Convention
Overview of Colorado River Issues

January 2001
Colorado Water Congress Convention
2000 - A Year of Remarkable Progress on Water Issues

January 2000
Colorado Water Congress Convention
Colorado Water - Our Past, Our Future

Law Enforcement

November 2001
Opinion Editorial: "The D.A.R.E. Program: New Directions in Preventing Substance Abuse"

January 2000
Opinion Editorial: "Protecting Our Senior Citizens Against Fraud"

January 2000
Opinion Editorial: "Creating Safe Communities and Safe Schools"

Congressional Hearings

As Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Salazar appeared before Committees of the United States Congress and provided testimony at more than 30 hearings, including:

February 29, 2012
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Fiscal 2013 Budget Request: The Department of the Interior

February 28, 2012
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Fiscal 2013 Budget Request: Interior

February 16, 2012
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Fiscal 2013 Budget Request: The Department of the Interior

February 15, 2012
House Natural Resources Committee
Fiscal 2013 Budget Request: The Department of the Interior

November 16, 2011
House Natural Resources Committee
U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Development

May 17, 2011
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
US Oil and Gas Development

March 9, 2011
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Fiscal 2012 Appropriations: The Department of the Interior

March 8, 2011
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Fiscal 2012 Appropriations: Interior

March 3, 2011
House Natural Resources Committee
Fiscal 2012 Budget Request: Interior Department

March 2, 2011
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Fiscal 2012 Budget Request: Interior Department

July 22, 2010
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
The Department of the Interior's Oversight of Offshore Oil Drilling

July 20, 2010
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and Oversight and Investigations
Role of Interior Department in Deepwater Horizon Disaster

June 30, 2010
House Natural Resources Committee
Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act

June 24, 2010
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Minerals Management Overhaul; Oil Drilling Safety Plans

June 9, 2010
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Safety Measures for Outer Continental Shelf Energy Development

May 26, 2010
House Natural Resources Committee
Gulf Coast Oil

May 18, 2010
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Gulf Coast Oil Spill

May 18, 2010
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Gulf Coast Oil Spill

March 10, 2010
House Natural Resources Committee
Native American Trust Litigation

March 3, 2010
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Fiscal 2011 Budget Request: The Department of the Interior

January 28, 2010
Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy
Solar Energy Technology and Jobs

December 17, 2009
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Cobell v. Salazar

October 27, 2009
Senate Environment and Public Works
The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

September 16, 2009
House Natural Resources Committee
Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources

July 24, 2009
House Budget Committee
Economic Stimulus Package

July 14, 2009
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Mining Legislation

July 7, 2009
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Energy and Climate Legislation

March 17, 2009
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Public Lands and OCS Energy Development

February 12, 2009
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs

January 15, 2009
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Interior Nomination