AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to confirm Darryl Brown to be commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. Brown, owner of Main-Land Development Consultants of Livermore Falls, was nominated by Gov. Paul LePage.

Democrats who oppose Brown say they worry that an appearance of conflict of interest will occur when his company seeks permits for clients from the department. The company is now helping Black Bear Entertainment build a casino in Oxford.

Brown said he plans to sell his company, although it may take some time. Until then, he plans to step down as the company’s president and recuse himself from any decisions the department makes involving the company.