New Mexico’s newly elected Gov. Susana Martinez has nominated former astronaut and U.S. senator Harrison Schmitt as the state’s secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources. The governor’s announcement follows a decision to dismiss the state’s environmental board tied to a cap-and-trade proposal. Schmitt is charged by the new governor to “harness and develop” energy sources in New Mexico as a means of reviving the state’s sputtering economy and creating new jobs. Schmitt’s nomination is subject to confirmation by state lawmakers. He said he will work with the governor to “enhance New Mexico’s potential” as “a leader in energy and natural resource development.” With an undergraduate degree from the California Institute of Technology and a doctorate degree from Harvard University, Schmitt earned an Air Force jet pilot’s wings in 1965 and Navy helicopter wings two years later. He participated in the National Aeronautical and Space Administration’s scientist-astronaut program beginning in 1965, and provided support for the Apollo 11 mission, before flying into space as part of the Apollo 17 mission. He landed on the Moon Dec. 11, 1972.
Minerals
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Former Astronaut Tabbed by New Mexico Governor for Energy Post
New Mexico’s newly elected Gov. Susana Martinez has nominated former astronaut and U.S. senator Harrison Schmitt as the state’s secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources. The governor’s announcement follows a decision to dismiss the state’s environmental board tied to a cap-and-trade proposal in the opening days of her new administration (see Power Market Today, Jan. 10).
Interior Official Suggests Ethics Rules for Industry
In an attempt to break up the “cozy relationship” between the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the oil and natural gas industry, the Interior Department’s acting inspector general (IG) last Thursday raised the possibility of requiring companies that do business with the federal government in the future to comply with ethics standards. At the same time, President Obama appointed someone with an extensive law and order background to take over the agency.
Acting Interior IG Suggests Ethics Requirements for Industry
In an attempt to break up the “cozy relationship” between the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the oil and natural gas industry, the Interior Department’s acting inspector general (IG) Thursday raised the possibility of requiring companies that do business with the federal government in the future to comply with ethics standards.
BLM Head to Take Over MMS on Interim Basis
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob Abbey will serve as acting director of the troubled Minerals Management Service (MMS), replacing Liz Birnbaum who either resigned on her own Thursday or was pushed out in the wake of the crude oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).
Salazar Calls MMS Activities ‘Reprehensible’
A report by the Department of Interior’s Inspector General (IG) has found “ethical lapses” at the Minerals Management Service (MMS) between 2000 and 2008, Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday.
Salazar Plans to Split MMS Into Two Agencies
Responding to calls for greater regulation in the offshore, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar last Tuesday announced plans to split the Minerals Management Service (MMS) into two independent entities, with one enforcing safety and environmental matters and the other handling leasing, revenue collection and permitting functions.
Salazar Plans to Split MMS Into Two Agencies
In response to cries for more regulation in the offshore, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday announced plans to split the Minerals Management Service (MMS) into two independent entities, with one enforcing safety and environmental matters and the other handling leasing, revenue collection and permitting functions.
Spill Affecting Some Gas Production, Tanker Traffic
Two natural gas producing platforms in the area of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) affected by the ongoing oil spill have stopped production, according to the Minerals Management Service. And a firm that tracks international tanker traffic has noted a slowdown in the region.
GAO: North Aleutian Basin Generates Producer Interest
The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) believes “substantial amounts” of natural gas could exist in the North Aleutian Basin, which lies in the southern Bristol Bay region of the Bering Sea off the northern shore of Alaska, the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) told Congress.
