(AP) — The director of Nebraska’s Department of Environmental Quality is stepping down.

Gov. Dave Heineman announced Tuesday that Mike Linder is leaving for a private sector legal job. The 56-year-old joined the agency in 1986 as an attorney. He was appointed director in 1999 by then-Gov. Mike Johanns. His last day as director will be Dec. 20.

In a statement, Heineman praised Linder for his years of service within the department.

The department works with businesses, local governments and individuals to protect the environment. Its duties include permitting, compliance, remediation, monitoring and assistance programs.