Among the reshuffle news today is this interesting switch at Defra:
Owen Paterson has been appointed DEFRA secretary, according to reports.
Mr Paterson will replace the outgoing Caroline Spelman as David Cameron carries out a major reshuffle of his Cabinet.
Apparently those of a green persuasion are not impressed by the switch, with Paterson seen as being much more hostile to environmentalists than his predecessor.
Other changes are being viewed equally dimly in green quarters:
Downing Street also confirmed this morning that former chief whip Patrick McLoughlin will take over as Transport Secretary from Justine Greening, who has been moved to the Department for International Development.
McLoughlin has in the past voted against Heathrow expansion, but green groups have already voiced concerns that the removal of Greening and Transport Minister Theresa Villiers from the Department for Transport appears designed to enable a Conservatvie U-turn on its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow before the next election.
Paterson is widely seen as being on the right of the Conservative Party and green groups were quick to highlight his previous hostility to environmental campaigns.
Bishop Hill
Damian Carrington is worried:
Paterson is no treehugger. In May, he reportedly told the Cabinet that it should end all energy subsidies, such as those for wind and solar power, and fast-track shale gas exploitation...As MP for North Shropshire, Paterson has spoken against wind farms and the new pylons needed to carry their power to the national grid.