On November 16, President Trump announced that he plans to nominate Andrew Wheeler, acting head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be the EPA Administrator.
Before becoming administrator, Wheeler will have to be confirmed by a majority of Senators. Wheeler became acting administrator in July, when then-EPA head Scott Pruitt resigned amid numerous spending and ethics scandals. Wheeler at the time was EPA’s Deputy Administrator.
Before working for the government, Wheeler was a lobbyist and lawyer for energy companies, including coal mining giant Murray Energy Corp. Previously, Wheeler worked as a senior aide to Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), who previously led the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Wheeler stands a strong chance for confirmation, though his previous workings with Murray Energy will likely spur questions from Democrats. (Washington Post, 11/16/18)
WEF will post EPA's official press release when it is available.
