A former Tulsa oil executive has been confirmed to be the state of New Mexico’s Director of the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources.
The New Mexico State senate has voted 32-4 to confirm the appointment of Ken McQueen by Republican gov. Susana Martinez. He will take over as Energy Secretary on the governor’s cabinet.
McQueen previously was the vice president of Tulsa-based natural gas and oil producer WPX Energy. He managed the firm’s assets in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico and southern Colorado.
He has overseen the state agency since mid-December. The Department hsa nearly 415 employees who regulate private oil well operations, forestry practices, wildfire preparedness, and coal and copper mines.