The legislature has delegated to DNR the authority to manage the state's oil and gas resources.  According to the Alaska Supreme Court "DNR is responsible in large part for implementing the constitutional mandate that the legislature 'provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State ... for the maximum benefit of its people.' Alaska Const. art. VIII, § 2. See AS 44.37.020(a)." 

How will this new cabinet position and "advisor" interface with DNR - who is in charge, Hendrix or Mack? Is the Governor attempting to usurp DNR's authority?  And why does Walker need a new cabinet level position to fill a roll the DNR already provides?