Gale Norton served as the United States Secretary of the Interior from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. She was the first woman to hold this position, where she focused on policies that promoted energy development, land management, and environmental protection. Norton's tenure was marked by her support for increased oil and gas drilling, particularly in Alaska, as well as her efforts to improve the management of federal lands. Before her role in the Bush administration, Norton had a background in law and politics. She was appointed Attorney General of Colorado and was involved in various environmental organizations, shaping her perspective on balancing resource development with conservation efforts. Her leadership style emphasized collaboration with state and local governments, seeking solutions that aligned with the interests of multiple stakeholders. Norton's legacy remains a subject of discussion, as her policies reflected a shift toward market-oriented approaches in managing natural resources. While she was praised by some for her pragmatic approaches, environmentalists criticized her stance on resource extraction. Overall, her contributions highlighted the complexities of navigating environmental stewardship against development pressures. Gale Norton, born on March 11, 1954, in Denver, Colorado, is an American attorney and politician. She graduated from the University of Denver and later earned a law degree from the University of Colorado. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her efforts in environmental law and policy, specifically during her groundbreaking role as Secretary of the Interior.