James G. Watt, Controversial Interior Secretary Under Reagan, Passes Away at 85
James G. Watt, the first Interior Secretary under President Ronald Reagan, died at the age of 85. Watt was known for his controversial environmental policies that favored commercial exploitation over conservation of public lands and resources. He opened most of America's coastal waters to drilling leases by oil and gas companies, widened access to coal on federal lands, and cut funds to acquire land for national and state parks. Watt was a born-again Christian and a lifelong Republican who saw himself as a servant of God. He resigned in 1983 after making a series of controversial remarks and was later indicted on federal charges in an influence-peddling case.