Norton on Energy Plan for Public Lands

“Bush Oil, Gas Bid Skirts Key Issues” (Aug. 12) misrepresented the Bush administration’s intentions regarding oil and gas leasing on public lands. The administration has not called for the opening up of Western lands for energy exploration. We have not called for energy exploration in any of the national monuments proclaimed in the final months of the previous administration. The goals of this administration are clear: to develop a long-term energy strategy that protects our air and water quality, promotes more efficient use of energy and increases environmentally safe development of domestic energy, including renewables like wind, solar and geothermal.

The article also referenced a congressionally mandated inventory of federal lands. In consultation with Congress, the Bureau of Land Management and other agencies will inventory five of the most significant energy-rich areas.

The Interior Department manages energy production on all federal lands as well as off the outer continental shelf. Our federal lands provide nearly 30% of the nation’s annual energy production. We believe that by listening to local officials and conservation groups we can implement an energy plan that stabilizes energy prices for families and protects our environment.

Gale Norton

Secretary, U.S. Department

of the Interior, Washington