Coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler nominated as next US EPA Deputy Administrator

Wheeler has spent his entire career working in environmental policy.  In addition to spending four years at EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics during the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations, he also spent many years on Capitol Hill.  After serving as general counsel to US Senator James Inhofe, he worked as staff director and chief counsel for two Senate Committees with vital roles in protecting human health and the environment:  the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) and the US Senate Subcommittee for Clean Air Wetlands and Nuclear Safety.

Wheeler currently works as a principal at FaegreBD Consulting providing guidance on federal regulatory and legislative environmental and energy issues.

“Andrew will bring extraordinary credentials to EPA that will greatly assist the Agency as we work to implement our agenda,” said Administrator Pruitt. “He has spent his entire career working to improve environmental outcomes for Americans across the country and understands the importance of providing regularity certainty for our country.”   

Commenting on this recent announcement, US Senator James Inhofe said:  "I am pleased that President Trump has nominated Andrew Wheeler to serve as deputy administrator at the EPA.  There is no one more qualified than Andrew to help Scott Pruitt restore EPA to its proper size and scope. When he served as my staff director of the Environment and Public Works Committee, he provided me with invaluable guidance, and in turn became a close friend. I am confident he will serve the American people and President Trump with exceptional skill in this position, and I look forward to ensuring his swift confirmation."

US Congressman David B. McKinley added: "With extensive experience working on Capitol Hill, in the Executive branch, and in the private sector, Andrew Wheeler is eminently qualified and a great pick to serve as Deputy Administrator of the EPA. There are few people in Washington who have the same depth of knowledge and experience on energy and environment issues. I look forward to continuing working with Andrew once he is confirmed in his new role."

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/06102017/coal-lobbyist-andrew-wheeler-nominated-as-next-us-epa-deputy-administrator/