Oil, Gas Official Criticizes Oklahoma's New Energy, Environment Appointment

Oil and natural gas industry officials in Oklahoma are expressing concerns about Gov. Mary Fallin's choice of Col. Michael Teague as secretary of Energy and Environment.

Fallin announced the appointment Friday in which the positions of secretary of energy and secretary of environment were combined into one position. She says Teague will help develop policies that encourage energy exploration and production as well as responsible environmental stewardship.

8/17/2013 Related Story: Governor Names New Secretary of Energy and Environment

Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association President Mike Terry told The Oklahoman that Teague has no working knowledge of the oil and natural gas industry and that the selection process was "confusing and questionable."

Teague is a former Tulsa District commander of the Army Corps of Engineers. Fallin's office said his background with the corps makes him a perfect choice for the position.