Rep. Sharon Nelson, D - Maury Island, has been appointed to the House Local Government Committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

In addition, Nelson will serve on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Audit Review. The panel oversees issues relating to funding general government programs and reviews fiscal audits of state agencies.

"Protecting our island's environment has been my top priority since our family moved to Maury Island 14 years ago," said Nelson, who became well known for her battle to protect Maury Island from a massive mining operation.

"Serving on the Ag and Natural Resources committee is an opportunity for me to continue this work in Olympia, as well as to pursue my interest in making sure agriculture remains a vibrant part of our state's economy."

Nelson was appointed to the state House of Representatives in October, replacing Rep. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle. McDermott earlier was appointed to replace Sen. Erik Poulsen, D-West Seattle, who resigned from the Legislature to work as a lobbyist.

Nelson said that as a member of the Local Government Committee, she will benefit from her work as chief of staff to King County Councilman Dow Constantine.

"I recognize the importance of the relationship between state and local governments and will seek to improve those relationships," Nelson said.

"Additionally, I will utilize my knowledge of the Growth Management Act on this committee."

The 2008 legislative session is slated to start on Jan. 14.