Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has appointed Col. Michael Teague to the position of Secretary of Energy and Environment.
Fallin announced Teague's appointment on Friday and he will begin his new role on Sept. 3.
The position of secretary of energy and environment is new, combining the positions of secretary of energy, previously held by Michael Ming, and secretary of environment, previously held by Gary Sherrer. Fallin says the two policy areas are linked, making it practical to combine them under one cabinet post.
She says Teague's mission is to develop policies that encourage energy exploration and production as well as responsible environmental stewardship.
Teague, of Bixby, is the former Tulsa District commander of the Army Corps of Engineers. Teague oversaw over 700 employees and an annual budget of $700 million.
