You overlook Secretary Norton's public commitment to continue to inventory and protect areas with wilderness characteristics.

Secretary Norton has also set up a careful process to resolve decades-old disputes regarding roads in the West.

In an agreement with Utah, Secretary Norton established procedures through which the state can present documents showing the presence of long-maintained roads.

"We've been working hard to try and find those places where there is strong support for energy [development] going forward," Secretary Norton told me.

"Despite this setback, we hope Secretary Norton will continue to assist the parties in reaching a long-term solution."

"One of the things that's troubled us so much about Secretary Norton is her willingness to cave in to these special interests."

They say they are furious with Secretary Norton.

The National Academy of Public Administration's report was the one that caught Secretary Norton's eye.

"It has been a priority for Secretary Norton and the president since the first day we came into office."

Secretary Norton was simply following a path charted by her predecessor Bruce Babbitt.