Salazar Statement on David Hayes

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary Salazar released the following statement in response to Senators Bob Bennett and Lisa Murkowski's decisions to lift their hold on David Hayes:

“I appreciate Senator Bennett and Senator Murkowski's decisions to lift their holds on David Hayes, allowing the Senate to confirm him as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and allowing us to put our people in place to carry out President Obama's agenda. David is exceptionally qualified for this position and will bring intelligence, integrity and passion to the job. I have committed to Senator Bennett that David Hayes, once confirmed, will promptly review the 77 disputed Utah oil and gas parcels, one by one, as I have promised, and we will determine which, if any, are appropriate for development. I have also pledged that though we will agree on some issues and disagree on others, my door will always be open to Senator Bennett and Senator Murkowski.”