Bad news for energy production

Denver Post:

U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar is a leading contender to become President-elect Barack Obama's Interior secretary, two sources have confirmed.

Reuters News Service used even stronger language in a report Sunday, saying Salazar had become the top candidate for the job.

The news agency did not cite a source in putting the Coloradan at the top of the list to lead the department with a key role in issues important to Western states, such as overseeing oil and gas leases.

A source close to Obama's transition team told The Denver Post late last week that Salazar was under consideration for the Cabinet position.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak, said at the time that it appeared the post was Salazar's if he wanted it.

A second source close to the process also confirmed Sunday that Salazar was a leading contender. The senator's spokesmen did not return telephone messages seeking comment.

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Salazar opposed exploiting oil shale deposits many of which are in Colorado. He is part of the irrational opposition to energy production wing of the party, a real carbon phobe. His selection would be telling the world that the Democrats are not serious about the production of energy in this country.