Readout on Secretary Salazar's Meeting with Governor Herbert

Washington, DC - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today met with Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert today to discuss their ongoing work together and to follow up on their productive discussions and meeting in Utah in April.

Secretary Salazar and Governor Herbert spoke about the economic importance of Interior's commitment to facilitating the responsible development of wind, solar, and geothermal resources on public lands in Utah, including near Milford, Utah, where Secretary Salazar visited in April. They also discussed the importance of harnessing conventional energy resources in the right ways and in the right places.

Secretary Salazar and Governor Herbert also followed up on their discussions at the Governor's Balanced Resource Council Meeting in Salt Lake City in April, where the Secretary and the Governor talked about the America's Great Outdoors Agenda and consensus-driven strategies for protecting places that are important to communities in Utah. Secretary Salazar said he understands the economic importance of Utah's natural beauty to the state; outdoor recreation alone contributes an estimated $5.8 billion annually to Utah's economy and supports an estimated 65,000 jobs.

Secretary Salazar also said Interior is making swift progress on its investments in Utah through the Recovery Act, including a $50 million Recovery Act investment in the Central Utah Project Completion Act (CUPCA).

Secretary Salazar said he would to continue to work closely together with Governor Herbert on issues of importance to the State of Utah and the Nation.

For an analysis of the economic impact of Interior's programs and activities, click here.