Senate Western Caucus Applauds Andrew Wheeler’s Confirmation as EPA Administrator

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senate Western Caucus Chairman Steve Daines (Mont.) and Caucus Members Senators Mike Rounds (S.D.), Jim Inhofe (Okla.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), John Boozman (Ark.), John Barrasso (Wyo.) celebrated the confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Having worked with Administrator Wheeler both in Montana and DC, he takes a commonsense approach to solving issues important to Montana and other states,” Daines said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with Administrator Wheeler to protect our environment in Montana, finalize and clean up our superfund sites in Butte, Anaconda, Libby and other areas, and make sure our state can continue to provide high paying agriculture and energy jobs. Under Wheeler’s leadership at the EPA, I look forward to continuing the progress we’ve made for the health of our communities, for our local economies, and for our environment.”

“I congratulate Administrator Wheeler on his confirmation,” Rounds said. “I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Wheeler during his confirmation process a number of times, and I appreciated our candid conversations about year-round E-15 sales, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), small refinery waivers and other issues important to South Dakotans. In his EPW confirmation hearing, I asked about his plan to accomplish the administration’s goal of year-round E-15 sales by the summer driving season. He told me the EPA is committed to getting E-15 done before the summer driving season. At a time of low commodity prices and trade uncertainty, finalizing year-round sales of E-15 is an opportunity to support South Dakota’s farmers. I was pleased to support Mr. Wheeler’s confirmation and I look forward to working with him in his new role as EPA Administrator.”

“Andrew Wheeler is the right choice to lead the EPA—no one knows his qualifications better than I do—and I am pleased that the Senate confirmed him today,” Inhofe said. “Andrew is an unparalleled leader in energy and environmental policy and knows what it takes to ensure that our environment is cared for within the laws passed by Congress. As Administrator, he will continue important deregulation efforts with President Trump ensuring that all stakeholders are heard, and provide certainty and stability for the regulated community. Congratulations Andrew, keep up the good work.”

“Administrator Wheeler has taken the time to listen to the concerns of farmers and ranchers regarding the Obama Administration’s damaging ‘Waters of the U.S.’ (WOTUS) rule. The EPA, under Mr. Wheeler’s direction, has already demonstrated a high regard for the concerns of rural America, and I look forward to working with him on issues important to agriculture,” Roberts said.

“The EPA is most effective when it acts as a partner with states and follows the intent of Congress to help protect the environment,” Boozman said. “The administrator must set that tone and help steer the institution in that direction rather than try to enforce top-down, heavy-handed mandates that spur litigation and raise costs on families and businesses. We can and must balance the need to protect our environment and economy. I believe Andrew Wheeler understands this dynamic well given his service within the agency as well as the Senate, which is why I voted to confirm him. I look forward to working with him to protect the residents of Arkansas and our environment.”

“The Senate has taken decisive action to confirm Andrew Wheeler as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,” Barrasso said. “I believe he will do an excellent job leading the agency. As acting administrator of EPA, he has prioritized commonsense policies that protect our air and water, while allowing our economy to grow. I look forward to working with Administrator Wheeler in his new role.”

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