Brad Moore has resigned as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, effective Dec. 1, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced today.

Moore will pursue an "employment opportunity in the private sector," according to the governor's announcement.

“Brad has brought effective, thoughtful leadership to the MPCA and has enhanced the state’s reputation as a leader in environmental protection,” 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.”

Pawlenty said Moore implemented many of environmental policies, including:

• 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.

Moore was appointed commissioner in December 2006, after serving as assistant commissioner of operations for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Earlier this year, Moore talked with MinnPost about the state becoming "a national leader in requiring industries seeking air-pollution permits to demonstrate how they would reduce emissions linked to climate change."