Gov. Mary Fallin's Secretary of Environment Gary Sherrer is resigning.
Sherrer says in a letter to Fallin dated Friday that he plans to resign by Monday, the start of the new fiscal year.
“Gary Sherrer is a strong voice for sensible, common-sense policies that have helped to protect Oklahoma’s environment while also making room for job growth and economic development,” Fallin says. “He has worked well with both Republicans and Democrats and was skilled at achieving consensus among people with diverse interests and agendas."
Fallin plans to consolidate the secretary of environment and energy positions into one cabinet post and Sherrer said he didn't feel like he had the knowledge and expertise to handle both positions.
Sherrer is a former Democratic state legislator who Fallin credited for working with policymakers on both sides of the aisle.
Deputy Secretary of Environment Tyler Powell is expected to fill in for Sherrer on an interim basis.
The energy secretary position was left vacant after Michael Ming resigned in May.
