Update

OCS, oil shale activity should be part of bigger energy plan, Salazar says

Leasing of more of the US Outer Continental Shelf and development of oil shale should be considered only as part of a larger national energy strategy, US Interior secretary nominee Ken Salazar said on Jan. 15.

Salazar, who is currently Colorado's senior US senator, told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during his confirmation hearing that President-elect Barack H. Obama has made development of a new energy economy a top priority of his administration.

"We need to look at the OCS as an element within a comprehensive energy strategy. Given the opening up of a five-year plan with DOI, it's up to you and me to determine how we move forward on developing the OCS. There are places there where it is appropriate for drilling. There may be other places where it should be off-limits," Salazar said.

"The important thing is to move forward thoughtfully and make sure development occurs in a thoughtful way with attention to the affected communities," he maintained.

"With respect to oil shale, I believe we need to look at it as part of a comprehensive energy plan but should not be reckless in how we move forward . . . We shouldn't move forward too quickly until we answer all the questions surrounding its potential development. That's why the R&D initiatives that have been developed already are so important. They can provide answers to these very important questions," Salazar continued.