Senate Confirms Mark Menezes as Energy Department’s Second in Command

The Senate, in a surprising 79-16 vote has confirmed Mark Menezes to be the second in command.

According to The Hill:

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Mark Menezes for the No. 2 spot at the Energy Department in a 79-16 vote.

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President Trump nominated Menezes to be the department’s deputy secretary in March. He will replace Dan Brouillette, who previously held the role but was later promoted to Energy’s top job after former Secretary Rick Perry resigned.

Menezes has served as undersecretary of Energy and has advised the department on policy and technology since 2017. Before joining the Trump administration, he lobbied for Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which, through subsidiaries, produces energy from sources including coal, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear and geothermal.

Other former clients include Marathon Oil, ConocoPhillips, Koch Mineral Services and utility company Duke Energy.

Only one Senator voiced opposition to the pick, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) based on reports that the Trump administration was considering the possibility of nuclear testing.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article indicated Senator Catherine Cortez Masto represented California. It has been corrected to reflect the proper state of Nevada.