CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Democratic U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan have voted against confirming Andrew Wheeler as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, questioning his positions on climate science, water contamination, and other issues.
The Senate on Thursday confirmed the former coal industry lobbyist to lead the agency, despite concerns by Democrats and one Republican about regulatory rollbacks he’s made in eight months as acting chief. The vote to confirm him was 52-47.
Hassan said in a statement that as acting administrator, Wheeler has undermined efforts to combat climate change, gutted protections for air and water, and failed to act with urgency to address PFAS water contamination.
Shaheen said Wheeler’s priorities and actions are inconsistent with the policies needed to protect the environment and ensure safe drinking water and clean air.
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