Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Brad Moore, Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is leaving his post December 1, 2008 to pursue an employment opportunity in the private sector.

“Brad has brought effective, thoughtful leadership to the MPCA and has enhanced the state’s reputation as a leader in environmental protection,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He has been a productive and valued member of state government for more than 20 years and we thank him for his service.”

Moore has been instrumental in implementing Governor Pawlenty’s environmental policies. Highlights of the Pawlenty Administration’s efforts include:

• Adoption of a nation-leading water quality permit for Great Lakes ships, which will protect the lake from the growing threat of invasive species

• Effective, accountable implementation of Clean Water Legacy funding

• Creation of special biofuels and mining sectors within agency divisions, to effectively manage permitting of these large-scale projects
• Successful negotiation with 3M on chemical cleanup in the East Metro

• Development of the nation's first comprehensive mercury reduction plan

“I appreciate the opportunity the Governor gave me to lead the MPCA,” said Moore. “It has been a pleasure to work with a dedicated staff that is committed to preserving Minnesota’s environment.”

Moore was appointed Commissioner in December 2006. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Commissioner of Operations for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Moore began his service to the state in 1985, as a public utilities rate analyst at what is now the Minnesota Department of Commerce. In 1988 he transferred to the DNR and worked as a field operations manager, a recreation planner and a management analyst.