MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton to Testify on President’s
FY 2005 Budget for Interior Department

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton will testify on President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2005 budget for the Department of the Interior at a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 12 at 10 a. m. in the Senate Dirksen Building, Room 366.

Norton will discuss major initiatives in the largest presidential request in the department's history, including strategies to develop stronger conservation partnerships with states, tribes, local communities, and citizens to develop healthy lands, thriving communities and dynamic economies.

"The President's $11 billion proposal underscores his commitment to Interior's strategic missions of protecting natural and cultural resources, serving communities, improving access to recreational opportunities, and managing our water and energy resources," Norton said. "It embodies the President's vision of a new environmentalism -- one built on the principles of entrepreneurship, local action and respect for private property."