WASHINGTON- Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton today issued the following statement:

"President Bush made a great decision by nominating Governor Dirk Kempthorne to be the 49th Secretary of the Interior. I have worked closely with Dirk to improve the health of our forests, speed recovery of endangered species and settle long-standing water conflicts. He has achieved impressive results as a Mayor, United States Senator, and Governor. I look forward to working with Dirk on a smooth and orderly transition, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly on his confirmation."