Senator Murray: Strong Opposition to President Trump’s Nominee for Environmental Protection Agency Chief

“…like his predecessor Scott Pruitt, unfortunately Mr. Wheeler has instead demonstrated an unquestioning commitment to helping President Trump roll back vital environmental protections and loosen rules for special interests in ways that put our rivers, lakes, forests, crops, and more at risk”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after voting no on a procedural vote to advance the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be the next head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Wheeler, who has questioned the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change, is President Trump’s pick to replace Scott Pruitt, who resigned from the Trump administration last summer amid a slew of ethics scandals.

“As if his years lobbying for Big Coal aren’t enough, during his time as Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler has bolstered his reputation as a champion for the nation’s wealthiest people and biggest corporations and, even more concerning, proven his loyalty to President Trump by advancing the president’s anti-environment, pro-special interest agenda that attempts to chip away at our bedrock environmental laws and jeopardize public health for millions of Americans.

“It’s no secret how important the environment is to Washington state’s economy and our way of life—from the iconic landscapes of our coasts and mountain ranges, to the health of our water, air, and other natural resources—and families in our state should have the utmost confidence in their government’s commitment to protecting the environment for their health and for future generations. However, like his predecessor Scott Pruitt, unfortunately Mr. Wheeler has instead demonstrated an unquestioning commitment to helping President Trump roll back vital environmental protections and loosen rules for special interests in ways that put our rivers, lakes, forests, crops, and more at risk.

“I urge Republicans to join me in voting no on Mr. Wheeler’ confirmation, and I urge people in Washington state and around the country to raise their voices against President Trump’s extreme nominee and in support of our values, our health, and our future.”