NM Governor Susana Martinez Names Harrison Schmitt EMNR Secretary

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has named Harrison Schmitt as her Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Harrison Schmitt is a good choice as he brings unusual experience and forward thinking to developing New Mexico's energy programs.

Harrison Schmitt: New Mexico Native

Harrison Schmitt is a New Mexico native who was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He grew up near Silver City and continued his education in science at the California Institute of Technology before studying geology at the University of Oslo. He received a PH.D. in geology from Harvard University.

Harrison Schmitt: An Astronaut who walked on the Moon

Harrison Schmitt studied geology and was a member of the first group scientist-astronauts. He spent considerable time learning to pilot the module that would eventually land on the moon. In 1972, he piloted the lunar module for the Apollo 17 mission. He is credited as the last man to step onto the moon and the second to last man to walk on the moon. His crewmate Gene Cernan was the last person to step on the moon.

Harrison Schmitt: US Congressman

Harrison Schmitt was a United States Senator from 1977 to 1983. While a US Senator, Harrison Schmitt was the ranking Republican member of the Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee. He lost his second bid as US Senator to Jeff Bingaman.

Harrison Schmitt: Geologist and Energy Consultant

After his service as US Senator, Harrison Schmitt has served as chair of the NASA Advisory Council and a member of the Planetary Society. He has long been a proponent of utilizing the moon and Mars natural resources.

Harrison Schmitt: Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources

As New Mexico's Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, Harrison Schmitt will oversee New Mexico's state parks, forests, mining, energy and the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps. He will have up to 415 people working under him at over 48 different sites around New Mexico.

According to Bloomberg Business Week, Harrison Schmitt is quoted as saying, "Nature endowed New Mexico with an extraordinary abundance of natural resources ... and we do have an obligation, not only to the state but to its citizens, to make sure that those resources are properly employed not only for the creation of jobs but for the preservation of the legacy that they provide us for the future."