"Ken Salazar sounds as though he is still in the honeymoon phase of his job as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

"Interior is a great department with great challenges and great opportunities, and it's a joyful journey and this is part of the joyful journey so I'm excited about what we're doing and what we're going to do in the years ahead."

The former Senator from Colorado tells the Federal Drive the immediate issues are challenging: moving forward on an economic recovery, including an increase in staffing; dealing with energy resources on federal lands; the build-out of a national grid; offshore oil rights; and dealing with the high-profile minerals management service.

Less than a month into office, Salazar said the American people lost trust in the department because of ethical lapses and criminal behavior that extended to the highest levels. He tells FederalNewsRadio that he's determined to win that trust back."

Get the Story:
In his own words: Secretary Ken Salazar (FederalNewsRadio.Com 3/3)

Related Stories:
Salazar building Interior team with Native hires (3/5)
Obama touts Indian funding during Interior visit (3/4)
Obama to celebrate Interior's 160th anniversary (3/2)
NARF lawyer being considered for White House post (2/26)
Interior investigator to oversee stimulus for Obama (2/23)
Report slams BIA office in Alaska over roads funds (2/20)
Stimulus bill ready for Obama's signature (2/16)
Turtle Talk: Tribal tax exempt bonds and stimulus (2/12)
More Native picks expected at Obama's Interior (2/13)
Garcia hopeful in last State of Indian Nations (2/12)
First lady touts Indian agenda at Interior (2/10)
Native woman lands job in Obama's White House (2/9)
Larry EchoHawk quietly apologizing to tribes (2/6)
Larry EchoHawk won't comment on BIA nod (1/30)
Salazar pledges Indian focus at Interior Department (1/29)
Inouye praises Larry EchoHawk as BIA nominee (1/27)
Battle brews over Obama's potential BIA nominee (1/27)
Blog: The case against Larry EchoHawk for BIA (1/26)
Larry EchoHawk up for assistant secretary job (1/23)