The Senate has confirmed John Bemis as secretary of the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Bemis, an attorney with experience in oil and natural gas law, won confirmation unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, was the only vote against Bemis when the Rules Committee recommended his confirmation. Wirth questioned Bemis about his support for renewable energy and his views on the power of counties to restrict oil and gas production.

Republican Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Bemis to the cabinet-level job last March. He previously served in the state Land Office as assistant commissioner for oil, gas, and mineral resources.

Bemis graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame.




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