Begich and Murkowski React to Salazar Resigning

A fifth member of the Obama administration will leave in March. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced on Wednesday that he’s resigning.

Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich reacted to the resignation with news releases and thanked Salazar for his service, but also hinted at a sense frustration for development in Alaska.

Earlier this month, the Sec. Salazar ordered a review of the 2012 Arctic drilling season, in light of issues with Sell's drilling rigs.

“While we have not seen eye to eye on every issue, he has taken the time to travel to Alaska many times, to listen to Alaskans and make decisions based on that homework,” Sen. Mark Begich said. “Few positions in the federal government have as much power over Alaska as secretary of the Interior, from being landlord to over 60% of our state to carrying the responsibility of maintaining the government-to-government relationship with the Alaska Native population.”

“The Interior Department has a huge influence on Alaska’s economy as the landlord of more than 220 million acres within our borders,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. “Alaska’s future depends on our ability to access and develop our natural resources under federal control. I encourage President Obama to choose a replacement who will work in partnership with Alaska and other western states to ensure their future economic success.”

Salazar has run the Department of Interior department throughout President Obama's first term.

As the head of the interior department, he's been the president's top adviser on issues involving open space, parks and drilling.  

He also oversaw the Feds handling of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Before joining the cabinet, he served as a Senator from Colorado.

Salazar says he plans to return to his home state to spend more time with his family on his ranch.