Levy names new energy commissioner

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has named Brian Culhane commissioner of energy and environment.

Culhane, director of the State Senate subcommittee on Long Island's marine district, will fill the vacancy left by Carrie Meek Gallagher, who joined the Suffolk Water Authority earlier this year.

Culhane, 55, of Sayville, has headed the marine district since 1995 and before that was director of the Senate Commission of Water Resources on Long Island.

Richard Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, said Culhane is a person his group has worked with for many years. "He's knowledgeable especially when it comes to groundwater, he's approachable and listens. He gets it and will be good to work with."

Levy spokesman Mark Smith said a confirmation resolution will be filed with the county legislature next week. Culhane will make $115,000 a year; Gallagher received $126,000 a year.