The good news, I suppose, is that even Kempthorne opposes President Bush’s proposed Great Public Land Sell-Off, but this is more of an acknowledgement by the Administration that the idea is dead than an indication of anything hopeful about Gale Norton’s replacement. Kempthorne made clear that revamping the Endangered Species Act will be a priority during his tenure, and his record – mixed but largely consistent with the Bush Administration’s fierce assault on conservation and America’s natural heritage – leaves little doubt that we will have our work cut out for us for some time to come.

And just in case you weren’t sure, Kent Holsinger, the former-Allard-staffer-turned-anti-conservation-industry-champion, was so excited about the prospects of a Kempthorne Interior Department that he penned a puff piece in the Rocky Mountain News even Kempthorne’s PR staff couldn’t have topped (if they didn’t write it themselves). When the industry folks start cheerleading you know the nominee is no friend of conservation.