James Watt, the first Interior Secretary under President Ronald Reagan, passed away on May 27th in Arizona at the age of 85. His tenure, marked by strong pro-development policies and clashes with environmental groups, remains a subject of both admiration and criticism.

A staunch conservative, Watt championed resource extraction on public lands, significantly expanding oil, gas, and coal leases during his time in office. He viewed environmental regulations as obstacles to economic progress, framing the debate as a conflict between "preservation vs. people." These policies foreshadowed later Interior Secretaries who adopted similar approaches.

His outspoken nature and controversial statements often drew public attention. One notable incident involved his attempt to ban music from Fourth of July celebrations on the National Mall, a move that drew criticism from many, including the Reagans themselves, who were fans of the Beach Boys, the recent headliners. Watt defended his actions, attributing the backlash to his conservative stance and what he perceived as biased media coverage.

While critics viewed his policies as detrimental to the environment, Watt and his supporters argued that he was upholding Reagan's conservative values and strengthening the nation through resource development. He pointed to investments in national park restoration and wilderness expansion as evidence of his commitment to conservation. However, pressure from environmental groups and controversies surrounding his remarks ultimately led to his resignation in 1983.

Beyond his environmental policies, Watt's career included various government and private sector roles. He served under previous administrations and worked for pro-development organizations. Later in life, he faced legal challenges related to consulting work involving federal housing funds. Despite these controversies, Watt remained a prominent figure in conservative circles, advocating for his beliefs until his passing.

Former Interior Secretary James Watt (AP Photo/Taylor, File)