The new Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, is expected to forge a 'pragmatic' approach to reforming mining on public lands, more in tune with Nevada Senator Harry Reid.
According to an analysis in the Las Vegas Sun, Salazar is quoted as testifying in January that, “Responsible development of our mineral resources is critical to our economy and our environment. We must find a balanced approach to reform that will ensure mineral development occurs in a manner consistent with the needs of mining communities and the protection of the environment and public lands, particularly our water resources.”