Washington (March 11, 2009) – Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar today announced that the agency will increasingly focus on advancing clean, renewable energy and addressing global warming. Secretary Salazar announced the formation of an energy and climate change task force to advance the Interior Department’s renewable energy agenda.

Following is a statement by Bobby McEnaney, a lands advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

“Secretary Salazar is leading the charge at Interior to focus on ending our oil dependence and setting a path to a clean energy economy, while protecting our oceans and lands. The reorganization announced today will prioritize renewable technology over dirty, expensive fuels of the past. Creating a task force to advance renewable energy and reduce global warming makes Secretary Salazar a strong partner with President Obama as he works to repower America.”