Donald Paul Hodel

Donald Paul Hodel is an American attorney and Republican politician who served in two cabinet-level positions under President Ronald Reagan. His tenure was marked by a focus on increasing domestic energy production and managing federal lands, often aligning with the administration's goals of reducing government regulation. Hodel later led prominent conservative organizations and remained active in public policy debates.

Early life and education

Born in Portland, Oregon, he was raised in a family with a strong interest in public affairs. He attended Franklin High School before enrolling at the University of Oregon, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently pursued a legal education, graduating with a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1960.

Career in government

His early career included work as an attorney in Portland and a role as a deputy attorney general for the State of Oregon. He first entered federal service in 1969 as a deputy assistant secretary in the United States Department of the Interior under Secretary Walter J. Hickel. He later served as the Under Secretary of the Interior during the Nixon administration, gaining significant experience in natural resource policy.

Secretary of Energy (1982–1985)

Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he was confirmed as the United States Secretary of Energy in late 1982. In this role, he advocated for the dissolution of the department itself, arguing its functions should be returned to the Interior Department. His tenure focused on promoting nuclear power, deregulating natural gas prices, and supporting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Secretary of the Interior (1985–1989)

Switching cabinet posts in 1985, he led the United States Department of the Interior for the remainder of Reagan's presidency. His policies emphasized expanding private development on federal lands, including offshore oil drilling and mining. He was involved in controversial decisions regarding the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the management of national parks, often clashing with environmental groups like the Sierra Club.

Later career and activities

After leaving government, he served as president and chief executive officer of the Christian Coalition in the mid-1990s. He also chaired the board of the Focus on the Family Institute and was a board member for the Richard Nixon Foundation. He authored the book "Crisis in the Oil Patch" and contributed commentary to outlets like the Washington Times.

Personal life

He married Barbara Stagg in 1958, and the couple has four children. A devout Christian, his faith has been a guiding principle in both his public service and his work with religious organizations. He maintains residences in Virginia and Colorado. Category:1935 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Energy Category:United States Secretaries of the Interior Category:Harvard Law School alumni Category:University of Oregon alumni Category:People from Portland, Oregon