Dean Plaskett, a former attorney for Planning and Natural Resources, began work Tuesday as acting commissioner at DPNR.
James O'Bryan, assistant to the governor for public affairs, confirmed Plaskett's appointment Wednesday and said he would issue a release on it later in the day.
Plaskett, who was legal counsel for DPNR's environmental protection division, is from St. Croix and is a "fourth generation Plaskett," he said in a phone interview Wednesday with the Source.
As commissioner, he said, he will press for the passage of four bills now before the Legislature, including legislation affecting solid waste and underground storage.
Plaskett drafted all four bills. He said passage is essential, in part because federal grant money is at stake.
"We must have primary authority over enforcement," he added.
Plaskett said a major challenge facing not only DPNR but all agencies will be to run the most efficient operation possible because resources are in such short supply.
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