Shaheen Opposes Wheeler Confirmation for EPA Administrator

(Washington, DC)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Andrew Wheeler to serve as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. 

“Climate change is an existential threat that impacts us all. Under Acting Administrator Wheeler’s tenure, the EPA has not only failed to respond to this emergency – the agency has taken actions that risk exacerbating the effects we’re already seeing,” said Shaheen. “From the weakening of the Clean Power Plan, to his disregard for climate science, to his clear conflicts of interest as a former fossil fuel lobbyist, Acting Administrator Wheeler’s priorities and actions are inconsistent with the policies we need to protect our environment and ensure safe drinking water and clean air for our families. For these reasons, I opposed his confirmation.”