Environmentalists Worry Obama Nominee for Agricultural Undersecretary May Not Be Green Enough

ABC News’ Jordyn Phelps reports: Some environmentalists are concerned that President Obama’s pick to supervise Forest Service and Farmland conservation programs — Agriculture Department’s Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment -nominee Harris Sherman – may not be green enough.

David Petersen, a Trout Unlimited official in Colorado, was quoted by The New York Times as saying in June, "It just doesn't seem like a very good fit, and we're troubled by it." The criticism centers on Sherman’s past positions around conserving roadless areas. Sherman has supported a process that would loosen rules protecting the roadless areas in Colorado in his current position as executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, according to Suzanne Jones, regional director for The Wilderness Society.

Jones said that while “we certainly haven’t agreed with him on everything, especially on the roadless areas,” she is confident that his extensive experience working on conservation issues will ultimately benefit Washington.

The criticism of Sherman’s appointment was first reported by the  New York Times earlier today. The criticism of Sherman’s appointment was first reported by The New York Times earlier today.  Theo Stein, the Communications Director for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, declined to comment on Sherman’s appointment. The administration announced Sherman’s appointment yesterday. -Jordyn Phelps