When the New Jersey Senate, on a one-vote margin Monday, approved Governor Chris Christie’s nomination of Robert Barr to serve on the Pinelands Commission, many in the gallery that was packed with preservation advocates erupted with groans and cries of protest.

Representatives of the NJ Sierra Club, Environment New Jersey and Clean Water Action sounded off minutes after the vote.

In the video above, Jeff Tittel, Doug O’Malley and Dave Pringle express their frustration over what they saw as political pressure tactics exerted by GOP Governor Christie and Democrat Senate President Steve Sweeney.

They also voiced fears that Mr. Barr’s appointment could lead to future Commission decisions to permit a natural gas pipeline and other developments that would undermine Pinelands protections.