News Releases from Headquarters›Office of the Administrator (AO)

Andrew Wheeler Nominated as EPA Deputy Administrator

WASHINGTON (October 5, 2017) Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Andrew Wheeler as deputy administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Mr. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) and the U.S. Senate Subcommittee for Clean Air Wetlands and Nuclear Safety.  Mr. 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.”

His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the country:

 U.S. Senator James Inhofe:  "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."

U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson: "Andrew Wheeler will do a fine job at EPA, helping to ensure the agency's mission of protecting the environment is maintained without the EPA becoming an unnecessary impediment to responsible energy exploration and job creation."

U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley: "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."

Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman: "Andrew was Republican staff director during part of the time I was on the Senate Environment Committee.  We worked together on some issues and disagreed on others. He conducted himself in a fair and professional manner.  I hope his nomination will receive similarly fair consideration by the Senate."

Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers: "Andrew’s significant experience on Capitol Hill, and his extensive background working on environmental and natural resource policy makes him an outstanding choice to join the leadership at the EPA. Manufacturers have welcomed Administrator Pruitt’s efforts to bring balance to rulemaking at the agency and focus on the EPA’s core mission. We’re confident Andrew will help advance that mission and ensure that our country can achieve the dual goals of responsible environmental stewardship and strong economic growth."