Salazar confirmation hearings expected to yield few fireworks

Compared to Norton, Salazar - whose confirmation hearings before the Senate begin today - is no lightning rod. To some environmentalists, the pragmatic Salazar was not the first choice. But along with a smattering of skepticism and criticism, his selection drew mostly praise from conservation groups that had worked with him to push for a more cautious approach on oil shale development and energy drilling in general. Compared to Norton, "Salazar's record is far and away a more reasonable record on the environment," said Culp, now communications director for the Alaska Wilderness League. "He has shown a much greater willingness to listen to the concerns of the environmental community." Even Republicans are predicting smooth sailing for Salazar when he squares off with his former colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee....