Developer being considered for SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control post

EDIT- 1/4/06
The State reports that Norman has withdrawn his bid to head DHEC, saying that he appreciates the nomination, but believes it would be a better idea to serve elsewhere. The decision was applauded by SC conservationists who look forward to a more suitable nominee. No word yet on who else Sanford has lined up for the position.
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This week, SC Governor Mark Sanford announced that he was considering real estate developer and 2006 Congressional candidate Ralph Norman to head the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control. If appointed, it could mean a substantial shift in the state's environmental policy, says The State. Norman, who was defeated in November by House incumbent John Spratt, has strongly criticized concerns over global warming as "overstated" and "a lot of pointy-headed bureaucrats looking for a grant." During the campaign, Norman objected to Spratt's stances on offshore drilling, pledging to eliminate "regulatory obstacles" if elected to the U.S. House.
This news comes as several state environmental groups have joined the Governor to discuss tackling global warming at a state level, including the formation of a commission on climate change. The SC Sierra Club, which endorsed Sanford for reelection last month, is having trouble reconciling the choice, which the club's Director, Dell Isham calls "inconsistent with the Governor's professed interest in the environment," and "a drastic change and not a change for the better."

Dana Beach, director of the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, said he wants Sanford to pick a chairman with experience on coastal environmental issues, instead of a Charlott-area developer.
“I suspect that there are a lot of people who meet that criteria more closely than Mr. Norman,” Beach said. “Not to take anything away from him, but he lives in Rock Hill and has not been actively involved in conservation.”

Sanford has been a supporter of increased funding for land protection, maintaining reserve funds for hazardous waste cleanup, and vetoed legislation that would make it harder to remove billboards from SC highways. Current DHEC Chair Elizabeth Hagood is known as a conservationist who pushed for tighter control over coastal development.