Gov. Martinez nominates Bemis to head energy agency

Gov. Susana Martinez has nominated an assistant commissioner at the State Land Office to serve as head of the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Martinez says John Bemis' experience in overseeing energy development at the Land Office makes him a qualified candidate. Bemis joined the State Land Office in 2003 and has served as assistant commissioner for oil, gas, and mineral resources since 2004. He previously worked as senior attorney for the Farmington region at Burlington Resources, Inc. Bemis is an Army veteran. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Bemis says New Mexico has great potential to lead the nation in energy development while still preserving the state's natural beauty. AP