Former Idaho governor Dirk Kempthorne (R) was sworn in as the 49th Secretary of the Department of the Interior on Wednesday.
Kempthorne began work last week. His swearing-in was a ceremonial affair with President Bush at the White House.
"Mr. President, after you asked me to be the Secretary of Interior, several White House staff members said that I needed to understand that you, Mr. President, want your administration to be good stewards of our lands and our waters; that you want energy developed responsibly; that you respect those who hunt and fish; and that you want to foster good relations with Indian country; and that the First Lady also loves and cares for national parks," Kempthorne said after the oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Kempthorne isn't the only new face at Interior. Joining his staff as counselor is Michael Bogert, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Pacific Northwest.
Get the Story:President Participates in Swearing-In Ceremony for Dirk Kempthorne as Secretary of the Interior (The White House 6/7)
Bush Hosts Swearing-In for Kempthorne (AP 6/7)
Northwest EPA chief resigns to work at Interior (AP 6/8) Relevant Links:
Interior Department - http://www.doi.gov White House Announcement:
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