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Secretary Kempthorne speaking at lectern in background; law enforcement officers and wreaths in foreground.
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivers the keynote address yesterday at the departmental ceremony honoring Interior law-enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The Interior Department joins the nation this week in observing May 11 through May 17 as National Police Week 2008.
Secretary Kempthorne Honors Interior Law Enforcement Officers at Memorial Ceremony
On May 12, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the keynote address at the department's law-enforcement memorial ceremony honoring Interior officers who have died in the line of duty. The department has more than 4,000 sworn law-enforcement officers who protect the public and Interior employees. Law-enforcement officers serve within the National Park Service, U.S. Park Police, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation. In the 159-year history of the department, 96 law officers have died while protecting the people and communities they serve.

"I am thankful to report that none of our law-enforcement officers lost his or her life in the past year," Kempthorne said. "Any year we do not suffer a loss is a notable achievement that is a testimony to the pride, professionalism and dedication of our officers. The work they do is difficult and dangerous. They are often alone in remote areas, far from backup. Far from help. On behalf of all Americans, I thank all of our officers for placing themselves in harm’s way that we might be kept safe and that our lands and facilities might be secure." more
Advances in Oil and Gas Leasing, Drilling and Production Continue in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico
HOUSTON – Approximately 72 percent of the Gulf of Mexico’s oil production in 2007 came from deepwater drilling, according to a report the Minerals Management Service released May 5. The report shows the advancement into deepwater Gulf of Mexico is continuing as offshore operators meet the challenges presented in exploring and developing this energy frontier. MMS Director Randall Luthi released the report, "Deepwater Gulf of Mexico 2008: America’s Offshore Energy Frontier," at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. It details the continued expansion and chronicles the activities of the oil and gas industry in the deepwater (1,000 feet of water or more) Gulf over the past 16 years.

“Continued advancement into this deepwater frontier is important to our nation’s energy security,” Luthi said. “The Gulf of Mexico is a key energy producer and the safe and environmentally responsible development of our resources is vital to the economy and our way of life.” more
National Register of Historic Places Celebrates Asian-Pacific Heritage Month
President George W. Bush has proclaimed May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. “Asian/Pacific Americans have made our country better with their talents and hard work.” Bush said in his proclamation. “Their values and commitment to family and community have helped shape and strengthen America.” To commemorate the month, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is featuring on its Web site a few of the many places where Asian and Pacific people have made history.

From the early 1800s to the 21st century, Asian-Pacific Americans have played a vital role in the development of the United States and made lasting contributions in all elements of American society. The National Historic Register’s site showcases properties on the register and National Park units highlighting aspects of the Asian and Pacific experience in America. It also features the Register’s Teaching with History lesson plan on Asian-Pacific heritage. more
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