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

EPA Deputy Nomination Moves to Senate for Full Consideration

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt applauded the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee’s vote advancing Andrew Wheeler, nominee to be EPA deputy administrator. Wheeler’s nomination now moves to the Senate for full consideration, along with four other EPA nominees.  Administrator Scott Pruitt released the following statement following this vote:

"Andrew is an environmental policy expert with deep understanding of EPA issues. I look forward to his consideration before the Senate and his confirmation in the near future. I know Andrew will help us advance the President’s Agenda, with his thoughtful and collaborative leadership at EPA.”

More quotes of approval for Andrew Wheeler:

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."