BELLINGHAM - Bob Ferris, executive director of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, is stepping down from his post.

In an announcement on the local environmental group's website, board president Ken Bronstein said Ferris "has chosen to leave the organization and pursue other opportunities."

"We will miss Bob, and wish him the very best in his future pursuits," Bronstein's announcement added.

Ferris took the RE Sources job in mid-2010, moving here from Arlington, Va. In early 2011 he was among the first and most outspoken critics of the Gateway Pacific Terminal coal export facility proposed for the Cherry Point waterfront.

Crina Hoyer, RE Sources' program director, has been named interim head of the organization.

Ferris was not immediately available for comment.