Ken Salazar Quotes

Powerful Ken Salazar for Daily Growth

About Ken Salazar

Kenneth Alan Salazar, born on July 13, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, is a renowned American politician and attorney who served as the United States Secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. His roots trace back to a farming family in Colorado where he developed a deep appreciation for the land and its preservation. Salazar attended Princeton University, graduating in 1977, and continued his education at the University of Michigan Law School, receiving his JD degree in 1980. His early legal career was marked by a strong commitment to public service, including work as an Assistant United States Attorney in Colorado from 1982 to 1986. In 1994, Salazar was elected Colorado's Attorney General, serving until his appointment as Senator for Colorado by Governor Roy Romer in 2004, following the resignation of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Salazar held this position until his cabinet appointment in 2009. As Secretary of the Interior, Salazar played a significant role in shaping and implementing President Obama's environmental policies, focusing on conservation, energy development, and Native American issues. One of his most notable achievements was the reform of oil drilling regulations following the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Post-administration, Salazar returned to Colorado and established The Salazar Center for North American Conservation at the University of Colorado Boulder. He continues to advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development. His biography encapsulates a life dedicated to public service, the environment, and the welfare of his community.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The West is not just a place on a map; it's a state of mind."

The quote by Ken Salazar emphasizes that "The West" represents more than just a geographical region, but rather a distinctive attitude or mindset. This mentality often encompasses values such as independence, resilience, adventure, openness, and a strong connection to nature. The spirit of the West is embodied in those who embrace its unique culture, history, and vast landscapes. It's a way of life that transcends borders and invites people from all walks of life to experience its essence.


"Our land, our water, and our air are sacred trusts for future generations to inherit and enjoy."

This quote emphasizes the importance of preserving the Earth's natural resources - land, water, and air - for the benefit of future generations. It suggests that these elements are not just commodities to be exploited in the present, but sacred responsibilities entrusted to us by those who came before us, to be cared for and passed on intact to those who will follow. In essence, it's a call to action for environmental stewardship and sustainability.


"Conservation is the ethic that we as a society must embrace if we are going to pass on a viable world to our children."

This quote emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship for future generations. It suggests that conserving natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife is not just an individual responsibility but a societal value that ensures the sustainability and viability of our planet for upcoming generations. In essence, it calls on us to act responsibly towards our environment, ensuring that we leave behind a world that is capable of supporting life in its richness and diversity.


"The West should not be seen as an obstacle to progress, but rather as a vital contributor to our national identity."

This quote emphasizes that the American West should not be viewed as a hindrance to development or modernization, but instead as a crucial element that contributes significantly to America's national character and heritage. The West, in this context, symbolizes the spirit of exploration, independence, resilience, and resourcefulness which are fundamental aspects of the American identity. This perspective invites us to preserve and honor these values while embracing progress, rather than viewing them as conflicting entities.


"We have a moral obligation to leave this planet in better shape than we found it."

This quote by Ken Salazar emphasizes the ethical responsibility humans have towards our planet. He suggests that every generation should strive to improve the state of Earth, ensuring its preservation and sustainability for future generations. It underscores the need for conscientious resource management, environmental conservation, and thoughtful development in order to minimize harm and maximize the quality of life on Earth for all its inhabitants.


On the Native American front, we have turned a new page in the 400-year history of the interface between the American settlers of this country and the nation's first Americans. That's included a new relationship where the sovereignty of tribes is in fact recognized.

- Ken Salazar

Fact, Country, Turned, Interface

While it is important to maintain a balanced approach to solving our nation's energy problems, we must commit ourselves to recognize some areas as 'off limits,' and the Artic National Wildlife Reserve is a national symbol of that commitment.

- Ken Salazar

Some, Solving, Symbol, Reserve

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my personal heroes.

- Ken Salazar

King, Heroes, Martin Luther, Luther

People who are running for office mislead the American people by saying that there's a three-point plan or a bumper sticker kind of way of bringing down gasoline prices. The fact of the matter is that nobody can do that. The price of oil is set on the global economy. People who have looked at this closely and hard know that's the case.

- Ken Salazar

American, Fact, Mislead, Sticker

For some in Washington, it's become sport to pick on the federal workforce. I think they do so unjustly. The very foundation of a stable America is having a government that functions well. Many countries have dysfunctional governments, because they don't have a good government workforce.

- Ken Salazar

Some, I Think, Very, Workforce

It's a new day at the Department of Interior, and we need to examine what makes the most sense for the American people. These are American resources and American treasures, and we need to make sure we're providing the right kind of protection, oversight and stewardship of these resources for the American people.

- Ken Salazar

American, Examine, Providing, Right Kind

Frankly that's what makes such a big difference between President Obama on one hand and Mitt Romney on the other. Gov. Romney has not walked in those shoes of the ordinary Americans and frankly I don't think he has the capacity to quite understand the struggle that the 98 percent of Americans go through every single day.

- Ken Salazar

Big, Through, Other, Every Single Day

I work hard and I have a standard of excellence - and I expect everyone at the Interior Department to meet that same standard. I delegate a lot. I might appear to be doing a lot of different things, but there's a strong team helping me. I believe we're going to have the strongest team of any agency in the Obama administration.

- Ken Salazar

Strong, Doing, Standard, Department

My family has spent 400 years farming on the banks of the Rio Grande. We know the value of hard work, love of the community, love for water and land.

- Ken Salazar

Love, Work, Banks, Rio

Meth is a major problem not only in our urban areas, but in most of the rural areas of Colorado. No region has been immune from this scourge and it is getting larger.

- Ken Salazar

Been, Larger, Major Problem, Region

I want all the interested parties to come together and develop a solution that provides additional water and helps the lower Arkansas River communities thrive again.

- Ken Salazar

Want, Additional, Lower, Communities

Growing up in a very rural and remote area in Colorado's San Luis Valley - one of the poorest counties in the United States - essentially created the framework of values from which I operate. I stand up for the little guy. I fight discrimination at all levels. I fight for an inclusive America.

- Ken Salazar

United, Rural, Very, Poorest

Liability does apply with respect to the amount of the oil spill.

- Ken Salazar

Apply, Oil, Amount, Liability

President Obama and our all-of-the-above energy strategy is the real deal. We are proud of the fact that we are importing less oil than at any time in modern history, and it has been because of the president's vision and courage.

- Ken Salazar

Fact, Deal, Been, Strategy

Shale gas has provided the United States the opportunity to have 100 years of supply that is domestically produced. If we are going to develop natural gas from shale, it has to be done in a safe and responsible manner.

- Ken Salazar

Natural, United States, Produced

In my time in the U.S. Senate, I tried to craft an energy policy... I will be part of President Obama's efforts to achieve energy independence and enhance the landscape. I am also part of his reform agenda.

- Ken Salazar

Achieve, Part, Energy Policy, Agenda

The way Americans most understand the history of Latinos in this country, a lot of it is being told now through the lens of what's happening with the immigration debate. While that's an important debate that has security and moral implications, in my view, there's also a huge history of Latinos in the United States that's never been told.

- Ken Salazar

Country, Through, Been, Lens

I think the future for solar energy is bright.

- Ken Salazar

Future, Environmental, Think, Energy

I think Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan are living in a fairly tale land on their energy policy.

- Ken Salazar

Think, I Think, Ryan, Congressman

I don't believe that the American dream should be reserved for those who are born into the elite or somehow have been given an advantage over others. My growing-up experience is probably the most important thing that guides my priorities and my work today.

- Ken Salazar

Been, Important Thing, Guides

Barack Obama was not born into wealth or privilege, yet today his is president of these United States of America. Barack Obama has lived the American Dream. He has walked in our shoes.

- Ken Salazar

American, United, Obama, None

I'm proud that Colorado delivered a victory to Barack Obama in 2008 and we will do so again in 2012.

- Ken Salazar

Proud, Victory, Will, None

We are talking about institutionalizing a program on solar development that will outlast the Obama administration.

- Ken Salazar

Development, Will, Obama Administration

I don't think anyone can speculate what will happen with respect to oil prices and gas prices because they are set on the global economy.

- Ken Salazar

Think, Happen, Set, Speculate

Hydraulic fracking is very much a necessary part of the future of natural gas.

- Ken Salazar

Natural, Necessary, Very, Gas

Americans pay up to 1,000 percent more to fill their prescriptions than consumers in other countries - that is an alarming statistic.

- Ken Salazar

Other, Statistic, Alarming, Consumers

Each and every Notary Public plays a crucial role in combating identity theft. They serve as our front line of defense and the public is safer because of the job they do.

- Ken Salazar

Role, Front Line, Plays, Theft

Too often in Washington special interests urge us to fight one another just because we belong to different parties. It is time for this to stop and for Washington to focus on what needs to be done.

- Ken Salazar

Belong, Needs, Another, Parties

In the West, you take people at their word.

- Ken Salazar

People, Word, Take, West

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