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Salazar Bids Farewell To Interior Department In Washington

Secretary Salazar's Farewell message to Interior staff by US Department of the Interior on YouTube

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sally Jewell has been sworn in as Interior secretary, replacing Ken Salazar, who stepped down after more than four years as head of the agency responsible for more than 500 million acres of national parks and other public lands.

The 57-year-old Jewell, a former CEO of outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment Inc., won Senate confirmation earlier this week.

She was sworn in Friday at a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor administered the oath of office. O'Connor and Jewell worked together on an independent commission that recommended a new vision for the National Park Service.

Salazar, a former Colorado senator, thanked Interior employees for their service Thursday in a 40-second YouTube video.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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