WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday nominated a former astronaut and longtime oil industry geologist to lead the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Along with his time in space, Reilly spent approximately 22 days in deep submergence vehicles, according to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. If confirmed to the post by the Senate, Reilly will play a key role in the administration’s efforts to boost America’s production of critical minerals. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has said the country’s reliance on foreign minerals poses national and economic security risks. “Drafting a complete topographical and geographic survey of the United States is exactly the kind of task the USGS was created to do.”

Source: Huffington Post January 26, 2018 21:45 UTC