9-5A-5: Secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources; appointment.

A. The administrative head of the energy, minerals and natural resources department is the "secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources", who shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate and who shall serve in the executive cabinet.

B. An appointed secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources shall serve and have all of the duties, responsibilities and authority of that office during the period of time prior to final action by the senate confirming or rejecting his appointment.