Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org or 202-670-5585
WASHINGTON D.C.-- Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will vote on whether to advance the nomination of a coal industry lobbyist, Andrew Wheeler, to take over the #2 position at the Environmental Protection Agency.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“Scott Pruitt made his way through the Senate with smooth talk and platitudes, but his record of putting polluters first since taking over the EPA reveals the true story. The Senate shouldn't get fooled again by Pruitt’s deputy, Andrew Wheeler. Putting a coal company lobbyist in charge of public health and the environment is like making Joe Camel the Surgeon General.
“Wheeler is as bad as previous polluter nominees the Senate has rejected, including Michael Dourson and Kathleen Hartnett White. The big difference is that the job Wheeler is nominated for is far more powerful, the consequences of his actions will resonate for far longer, and, as a coal lobbyist, he will literally serve as a direct pipeline for polluters to control the EPA. In fact, once Scott Pruitt leaves to pursue his political ambitions, Wheeler will likely take over the agency.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.