Raul Grijalva Should Be the Next Secretary of the Interior

The outgoing Interior Secretary has been a nightmare. Raul Grijalva can turn things around


Spacious skies? Check. Amber waves of grain? Check. Purple mountain majesties? Check. Fruited plain? Check. Yes, America is well known for its beautiful landscape. And since 1849, the person in charge of managing all of this poetic scenery is the Secretary of the Interior.

Naturally, it's a big job. As the head of the Department of the Interior, this person oversees such agencies as the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Geological Survey and the National Park Service.

The outgoing Secretary, Dick Kempthorne, has been a disaster. He has consistently supported curbing protections provided by such crucial laws as the Endangered Species Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act in order to favor commercial interests.

Since his confirmation in May of 2006, Mr Kempthorne has not placed a single plant or animal on the federal endangered species list. He recently eliminated the requirement for scientific review of federal projects that may harm endangered species.

One of the top contenders to replace Mr Kempthorne is Raul Grijalva, a Democratic Representative from Arizona. This son of a migrant worker from Mexico and current Chair of the House Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands would be an excellent pick for President-elect Barack Obama.

Boasting a 95% lifetime score by the League of Conservation Voters, Mr Grijalva has introduced several bills in Congress to restore and protect federal lands, and supports a permanent ban against drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge.

A strong animal advocate, he has spoken on behalf of wild horses on public land, supporting the expansion of the Heber wild horse territory in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. He also supports the strengthening of laws against horse slaughter, puppy mills and animal fighting.

The Bush administration has run roughshod on the rights and protections afforded to the nation's wildlife, landscape and domesticated animals. Repairing the damage and toughening up weak laws is a daunting task. Mr Grijavla is right person for the job.