The GOP-led U.S. Senate today confirmed ex-coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to run Environmental Protection Agency, in a 52-47 vote mostly along party lines.
52-47 The #Senate CONFIRMED Andrew Wheeler to be Administrator of the EPA.
Senator Collins voted no joining all Democrats. Senator Sinema did not vote.
— Senate Press Gallery (@SenatePress) February 28, 2019
Wheeler has been serving as “acting” administrator of Trump's EPA since Scott Pruitt resigned over alleged ethics violations in July, 2018.
On the GOP side, only Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) opposed Wheeler, and voted against him. She described his policies as “not in the best interest of our environment and public health."
Arizona Senator Kristen Sinema did not vote.
Below, tweets from lawmakers who voted "no," and from journalists and environmental advocates around the time Wheeler's confirmation was completed today.
.@SenatorCollins just accidentally voted for EPA nom Andrew Wheeler and quickly corrected to a no. She kind of shook her head and laughed at her mistake. She was the only Republican to oppose the nominee.
— Jennifer Haberkorn (@jenhab) February 28, 2019
U.S. Senate in 52-47 vote confirmed Andrew Wheeler for EPA Administrator: pic.twitter.com/IDnvtZ8ok1
— Greg Giroux (@greggiroux) February 28, 2019
.@SenatorCollins just voted "no" on @EPAAWheeler's confirmation https://t.co/Li9ms6XVMF
— Zahra Hirji (@Zhirji28) February 28, 2019
Senate Republicans just overrode bipartisan opposition to confirm ex-coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to be Trump Administration's next EPA Administrator.
As with Wheeler's predecessor Scott Pruitt, it will be vital that Congress exercise oversight. House Democrats will be vigilant. https://t.co/U6ytctesl3
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) February 28, 2019
Now that Andrew Wheeler has been confirmed, here's a reminder of the coal baron's wishlist he's been working to complete as acting administrator –> https://t.co/qAfyDCUDcY https://t.co/uyyYgKjvza
— Climate Desk (@ClimateDesk) February 28, 2019
Andrew Wheeler, former energy lobbyist, confirmed as nation’s top environmental official. w/@eilperin https://t.co/oP2J628U5n
— Brady Dennis (@brady_dennis) February 28, 2019
We need a strong EPA that will defend the right of every American to drink clean water & breathe clean air. That's why I'm on my way to vote NO on Andrew Wheeler's nomination to lead the EPA. We cannot allow a former coal lobbyist & climate change skeptic to head this agency.
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) February 28, 2019
.@SenatorCarper on floor before Senate @EPAAWheeler vote: U.S. needs clean air/water+can grow the economy.`We need somebody running the EPA who actually believes in that, too. I'm sorry to say here today, I don't believe right now that it's Andrew Wheeler. I say that with no joy'
— Dean Scott (@deantscott) February 28, 2019
With so much at stake – the health of Lake Erie, climate change, safe drinking water and clean air for our families – I cannot support the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to serve as EPA Administrator.
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) February 28, 2019
At this moment of growing harm from climate change, appointing someone to lead the EPA who has vigorously opposed our efforts to reduce carbon pollution…. would be like putting the Monopoly Man in charge of regulating big banks. I'm voting no on Andrew Wheeler to head the EPA.
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) February 28, 2019
Andrew Wheeler has proven where his loyalties lie: to advancing President Trump’s agenda that seeks to chip away at our environmental laws & jeopardize public health for families in WA & nationwide.
I’m heading to the floor to vote NO on Mr. Wheeler’s confirmation to lead @EPA.
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) February 28, 2019
A former coal lobbyist in charge of protecting our environment? I don’t think so.
Just voted NO on Andrew Wheeler to head @EPAgov. #StopWheeler pic.twitter.com/gXW07aGkKA
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) February 28, 2019
I just voted against Andrew Wheeler to become EPA administrator. As a former fossil fuel lobbyist, he consistently worked against the public interest to advance an anti-environment agenda and dismantle many hard-won climate change programs.
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) February 28, 2019
Throughout his career, Andrew Wheeler has shown a clear disregard for the EPA’s mission to protect the public and environment. As the author of the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act, I’m troubled by his attacks on clean car standards. We don’t need another anti-environment crusader.
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) February 28, 2019
.@Sen_JoeManchin also just voted "no" on @EPAAWheeler's top spot confirmation. The Democrat from West Virginia voted for Wheeler to be deputy administrator last year.
— Zahra Hirji (@Zhirji28) February 28, 2019
PHOTO: (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler addresses staff at EPA headquarters in Washington, U.S., July 11, 2018. REUTERS/Ting Shen
