Harrison “Jack” Schmitt
Gov. Susana Martinez today nominated former U.S. Sen. and astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt to head the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Schmitt, a former NASA geologist, has a doctorate from Harvard University. He landed on the moon on Dec. 11, 1972. The Republican was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1976 and served one term.
“Senator Schmitt’s diverse background gives him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be helpful in guiding the responsible development and protection of New Mexico’s diverse natural resources,” Martinez said in a news release. “Harnessing and developing energy sources right here in New Mexico is critical to reviving our economy and creating jobs.”
Schmitt said he is “proud to continue my career of public service as secretary of the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department under Governor Martinez.”
“I look forward to working with the governor to enhance New Mexico’s potential to be a leader in energy and natural resource development,” he said.
Update, 3 p.m.
This from the Democratic Party of New Mexico:
“In a clear sign that polluters in New Mexico will have free reign under her administration, Gov. Susana Martinez today nominated global warming denier and former astronaut Harrison ‘Jack’ Schmitt to head the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
“On many occasions, Schmitt has scoffed at decades of sound scientific evidence and a mountain of research that validated the human causes of global climate change.
“In one instance he told Fox News that the ‘CO2 scare is a red herring,’ that the ‘global warming scare is being used as a political tool to increase government control over American lives, incomes and decision-making.’
“‘Martinez promised bold change and she’s bringing it in the form of an appointee at odds with the basic tenets of science and reason,’ said DPNM Executive Director Scott Forrester. ‘This appointment is a clear signal to Martinez’s big-oil backers that the days of basic protections for New Mexicans’ air and drinking water are over.’”