SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved the confirmation of F. David Martin as secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Martin assumed the cabinet-level job last year after the retirement of John Bemis.
Martin previously was Environment Department secretary in Gov. Susana Martinez's administration.
He holds engineering degrees from Texas Tech and New Mexico Tech, where he was an adjunct associate professor in the petroleum and chemical engineering department.
The department regulates oil and natural gas operations and is responsible for mine safety, reclamation of abandoned mines, state parks, forestry and fire management
The Senate approved Martin's appointment yesterday.