David

In a draft energy plan released Monday, New York Gov. David Paterson said his state would encourage production of conventional and shale natural gas to reduce its dependence on out-of-state resources.

As the House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up climate change legislation Tuesday, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. Chairman David L. Sokol said his company would oppose the bill because it would result in onerous rate increases for customers of affiliates MidAmerican Energy Co. and PacifiCorp.

The nomination of David Hayes to be deputy secretary of the Department of Interior fell victim to the ongoing war between Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and natural resources interests as a cloture vote aimed at bringing the nomination to the floor failed.

Senate Democrats Wednesday failed to capture enough votes to move forward on the nomination of David Hayes to be deputy secretary of the Department of Interior.

Lee K. Boothby, 47, president of Newfield Exploration Co., was elected CEO at the company’s annual meeting. He succeeds retiring David A. Trice, 61, who agreed to serve a one-year term as nonexecutive chairman. Boothby joined Newfield 10 years ago and previously served as senior vice president of acquisitions and business development. He also has headed Newfield’s Midcontinent division. Gary D. Packer, 46, who most recently served as president of Newfield’s Rocky Mountain division, was promoted to executive vice president and COO. Terry W. Rathert, 56, a founding member of the company, was promoted to executive vice president and CFO by the board. Daryll T. Howard, 46, was promoted to vice president of the Rocky Mountains division, succeeding Packer. In addition, Samuel E. Langford, 51, was promoted to vice president of corporate development.

David Messer, president and CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland/Sempra Energy joint venture commodity trading unit, RBS Sempra Commodities, abruptly resigned his position Wednesday, the San Diego-based energy company announced.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Wednesday voted out (17-5) to the full Senate the nomination of David Hayes to be deputy secretary of the Department of Interior, but Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) signaled that he intends to place a “hold” on the nomination. This would prevent the Senate from confirming Hayes until the issues related to disputed Utah oil and natural gas leases are resolved to Bennett’s satisfaction.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Wednesday voted out (17-5) the nomination of David Hayes to be deputy secretary of the Department of Interior to the full Senate for confirmation, but Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) signaled that he intends to place a “hold” on the nomination. This would prevent the Senate from confirming Hayes until the issues related to disputed Utah oil and natural gas leases are resolved to Bennett’s satisfaction.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) elected Sandy Jones chairman and David King vice chairman. A road construction business founder and owner from the southwestern part of the state, Jones joined the PRC Jan. 1, 2007. Jones said he wants to help small businesses “thrive,” which he claims will create jobs and allow the state to retain more of its young citizens. King is a third generation New Mexican from the family that operates the King Ranch in South Texas. King is a veteran of local, state and federal government positions and has served three previous governors in New Mexico.