Ken Salazar

Ken Salazar is a lawyer, politician, and diplomat whose public service career has included roles in law, government, and international relations. Salazar has served as Colorado Attorney General, United States Senator, and Secretary of the Interior. He was elected as Colorado Attorney General, becoming the first Latino elected to statewide office in Colorado, and later served as United States Senator for Colorado, the first Latino Democrat elected to the Senate since 1972. In the Senate, Salazar sponsored and led the enactment of major energy legislation, including the Energy Policy Act, the Gulf of Mexico Security Act, and the Energy Independence and Security Act, and was a key architect of the Omnibus Public Lands Law, a significant conservation measure.

As Secretary of the Interior, Salazar led national efforts in energy policy, overseeing the exploration and development of conventional and renewable energy resources on public lands and oceans. Under his leadership, thousands of megawatts of renewable energy projects were permitted on public lands, and the first offshore wind energy plan for the Atlantic Ocean was established. He oversaw the creation of national parks, wildlife refuges, national heritage areas, and advanced a conservation agenda across all 50 states. Salazar also led the federal response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Salazar served as United States Ambassador to Mexico, leading the U.S. diplomatic mission during a pivotal period for North American relations. He advocated for action on border security, migration, climate, and economic integration. During his tenure, the U.S. and Mexico became the top trading partners globally, and he led efforts to bring Mexican drug cartel leaders to justice in the United States.

As Colorado Attorney General, Salazar managed civil and criminal legal matters, including high-profile cases, and resolved complex natural resource and environmental conflicts. He established the Colorado Attorney General Fugitive Prosecutions Unit, Gang Prosecution Unit, and Environmental Crimes Unit, and led initiatives to improve public safety, strengthen sex offender laws, address youth and family violence, and protect Colorado's environment.

Salazar has influenced the Latino community's relationship with environmental policy and continues to advocate for the recognition of Latinos' contributions to the United States, including serving on the Commission for the National Museum of the American Latino. He has been active in civil rights and the inclusion of Latinos in American society. Salazar's career reflects a focus on energy policy, conservation, diplomacy, and civil rights at the highest levels of government.