Ex-astronaut Schmitt nominated for NM energy post

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has selected former astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt as secretary of the state's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Martinez announced Thursday the former U.S. senator is being nominated to run the agency that oversees oil and natural gas production, manages state parks and administers forestry, mining reclamation and renewable energy programs.

He will be paid $105,000.

In 1972, Schmitt was one of the last men to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 17 mission

Schmitt was elected to the Senate in 1976 but lost a re-election bid in 1982 to Democrat Jeff Bingaman.

Schmitt has a doctorate in geology from Harvard University.

Martinez, a Republican, took office this week.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has selected former astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt as secretary of the state's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Martinez announced Thursday the former U.S. senator is being nominated to run the agency that oversees oil and natural gas production, manages state parks and administers forestry, mining reclamation and renewable energy programs.

He will be paid $105,000.

In 1972, Schmitt was one of the last men to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 17 mission

Schmitt was elected to the Senate in 1976 but lost a re-election bid in 1982 to Democrat Jeff Bingaman.

Schmitt has a doctorate in geology from Harvard University.

Marintez, a Republican, took office this week.