Topic: Ken Salazar

As BP stumbles, an expanding federal role in Gulf oil spill

After BP's repeated failed attempts to cap the well at the center of the Gulf oil spill, the Obama administration is gradually becoming more involved. This week, it has sent two cabinet members to the scene and devoted more of its science resources to the relief effort.

Blame game ensues as executives testify on cause of BP oil spill

Blowout preventer. Cementing operations. Design flaws. Top executives from BP America, Halliburton, and Transocean testified Tuesday about possible causes of the BP oil spill.

Obama to sever ties between drilling cops and Big Oil

As oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration moves to break up the agency tasked with both collecting royalties and policing Big Oil.

As BP oil spill fight continues, more areas closed to the public

As efforts continue to stop the flow from the BP oil spill, areas used for recreation and fishing are being closed to public access. It's a blow to recreational and commercial fishing businesses.

BP oil spill halts US drilling permits, for now

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that no new drilling permits would be released until a safety review ordered by Obama is released later this month. The BP oil spill has increased calls by environmentalists for a permanent ban on offshore drilling.

Arctic drilling opponents gain momentum from Gulf oil spill

Exploratory drilling is scheduled for July in the waters off Alaska's northern shore. Environmental groups, reeling from the Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill, are fighting to put those plans on hold.

Obama administration pulls no punches on BP oil spill, N.Y.C. bomb plot

The Obama administration is carefully choosing its words about the BP oil spill and failed N.Y.C. bomb plot, as it tries to calibrate its public posture on events.

Cape Wind project will be big test for offshore wind energy

The newly approved Cape Wind project in Massachusetts will be closely watched, by both supporters and detractors, as it goes forward. Many see it as a barometer for the future of offshore wind energy in the US.

Current timeline to shut down Gulf of Mexico oil spill: three months

Federal officials gave a sobering appraisal of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill Sunday, with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar saying 'ultimate relief' was 90 days away.

Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan

President Obama's plan to open new swaths of coastline to offshore drilling is being questioned anew in light of the potentially disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Politics of the pending climate-energy bill may be affected, too.

Cape Wind project approved

The Interior Department has approved the Cape Wind project, clearing the way for the first offshore wind power in the US.

Oil spill: Gulf of Mexico burn is last-ditch effort to stop landfall

To contain the oil spill, Gulf of Mexico slicks will be set alight. The hope is that this will stop the oil spill before it hits land. But oil burns are a sign that other efforts have failed.

Obama seeks compromise in offshore drilling plan

Offshore drilling for oil and gas will expand to new areas under President Obama's drilling plan, announced Wednesday. But the plan also keeps some sensitive environmental areas off-limits.

At White House: 14 senators discuss climate-energy legislation

The White House hosted a meeting Tuesday with 14 key senators, many from coal- and oil-producing states, who oppose curbs on carbon emissions. Obama appears to be making a big push to win Senate passage of revamped climate-energy legislation.

Utah fights for states' rights with land push

A bill passed last week that would give Utah the power to seize federal lands is meant to provoke a legal challenge on land and states' rights.

Wind farm in the Great Lakes? Big potential meets big opposition.

The windswept Great Lakes hold huge promise for wind power, experts say. But a plan for an offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan is raising local ire.

Obama as campaigner in chief: Will his record improve?

On the road in Colorado and Nevada, Obama looks to boost embattled Democrats after similar bids failed in New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

Five states where GOP might pull another Brown

Republican Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts provides a boost for the GOP's momentum for the 2010 midterm elections. Here are five states where Republicans might pick off Senate seats this November.

Will drilling more wells in California help or hurt?

A $40 million federal stimulus project to drill up to 50 new wells in California moves forward despite drying aquifers and community complaints.

Exits of two senior senators mostly bad news for Democrats

Retirement of Sen. Byron Dorgan means it will be harder for Democrats to keep their filibuster-proof Senate majority after 2010. But the exit of Sen. Christopher Dodd improves Democrats' chances of holding onto his seat.

Indian land trust abuse and the woman who finally got US to pay up

Elouise Cobell persisted 13 years in her case against Indian land trust abuse by the US. Now the Obama administration is set to pay $3.4 billion to rectify the century-old problem.

Brown pelicans are no longer endangered

After decades on the US Endangered Species list, American brown pelicans have made a comeback.

Senate Democrats introduce $849 billion healthcare reform bill

Majority leader Harry Reid unveiled the Senate's healthcare reform bill Wednesday. Now Reid must cobble together 60 senators to avoid a Republican filibuster.

Long to-do list for new US parks chief