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Environmental Leaders Praise Bill Wehrum EPA Nomination

Wehrum Nominated to Head Air and Radiation Office

09/07/2017
Contact Information: 
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

UPDATED 10/26/2017:

WASHINGTON (September 7, 2017): Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Bill Wehrum to serve as EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR).  Mr. Wehrum has a long history of public service, and previously served as EPA’s acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation from 2005 to 2007 and as EPA’s principal deputy assistant administrator and counsel to the assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. He is currently partner and head of the Administrative Law Group at Hunton & Williams LLP where his practice focuses on air quality issues. Mr. Wehrum’s career includes over 31 years working in the environmental field through engineering, legal practice, and administrative duties. 

His nomination is receiving high accolades from environmental leaders across the country:

Sean Alteri, director, Kentucky Division for Air Quality and 2017 president of the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies: “Considering his education and experience as a chemical engineer and an environmental attorney, Mr. Wehrum will be well-positioned to provide clear, concise direction to address the many diverse, complex air quality issues. As a student of the Clean Air Act, Mr. Wehrum's knowledge and experience will greatly benefit EPA, state, and local air pollution control agencies.  We look forward to working with Mr. Wehrum and EPA's senior leadership to improve air quality in Kentucky and throughout our nation.  The Kentucky Division for Air Quality supports Mr. Wehrum's nomination to serve as the assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.”

John Cruden, president-elect of the American College of Environmental Lawyers and assistant attorney general, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice (12/2014-1/2017): "I have worked with Bill Wehrum while he was a senior official at EPA during the Bush Administration, and have followed his impressive career in private practice. I believe he is committed to achieving clean air for all citizens and carefully following sound and current science."

Jeff Holmstead, assistant administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA (2001 –2005): “Bill is committed to the goals of the Clean Air Act and to the rule of law. He is also a person of the highest integrity. I am confident that, within the framework established by Congress, he will work to protect public health and the environment while at the same time pursuing regulatory reforms that will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.  Truly, there is no better person to serve as the assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.”

Marcus Peacock, EPA deputy administrator (08/2005 – 01/2009): “Bill Wehrum’s understanding of the Clean Air Act may be second to none. His desire to pull up his sleeves and actually make the Clean Air Act work as a practical matter is second to none.”

Clint Woods, executive director, Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies: “Through his comprehensive knowledge of the law and experience in the federal government, Bill possesses the background to manage challenging Clean Air Act issues at U.S. EPA and help continue the tremendous air quality progress that has been achieved in our country over the last several decades. Under his leadership, the Office of Air and Radiation will be well-situated to pursue a back-to-basics agenda grounded in cooperative federalism."