Public Health at Stake as Wheeler Nomination Heads to Full Senate

“During his time as deputy administrator and acting administrator, Andrew Wheeler has attacked America’s most fundamental public health and environmental safeguards to the detriment of American families and communities. Mr. Wheeler has made clear that his only commitment is to the polluting industries that once employed him. His undoing and undermining of critical protections hurts families in every state and community across the country while only benefiting the companies dirtying our air, water and land. The real world consequences of his policies will be more asthma attacks, more heart disease, and lost lives.”

Mr. Wheeler’s nomination now goes to full Senate confirmation, where each senator will have to decide whether to endorse his record at EPA. Nothing about his time in office suggests our air, water, and health would be safe in his care. Senators who consider themselves champions of public health and our environment should adamantly reject Mr. Wheeler’s nomination.

 “A vote in support of Mr. Wheeler means support for the unraveling of safeguards from mercury and other toxics, carbon dioxide and smog, and dangerous chemicals in consumer products. It is a show of support for more pollution that fuels our ongoing climate crisis and more asthma attacks and cancer for American families. In all, a vote to confirm Mr. Wheeler is a vote against the best interests of American families.

“Senators will soon have a chance to cast a vote on Mr. Wheeler’s record as acting administrator and, in effect, their commitment to protecting America’s health and environment.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs