Quick Action
Long-time coal lobbyist and climate-change denier Scott Wheeler is up for the second most powerful post at the EPA. With EPA secretary Scott Pruitt’s job on the line, the Senate confirmation vote is more critical than ever. UPDATE 4/12: WHEELER WAS CONFIRMED, with Collins voting yes and King no.
Environmental Issues Working Group C2A
UPDATE 4/12: Wheeler was confirmed today by the Senate, with Collins voting yes and King voting no (see the full roll call).
THE ISSUE
Trump has once again nominated a fossil fuel industry insider to a key environmental protection post. Andrew Wheeler, tapped for the EPA’s number 2 position of Deputy Administrator, helped kill bipartisan climate legislation during his time as a top Senate staffer, and most recently served as a lobbyist for the coal industry. Reports have also recently surfaced showing that he hosted campaign fundraisers and contributed funds to two members of the Senate Committee that held his nomination hearing and who then went on to approve his nomination. His nomination has been widely criticized by environmental groups like The League of Conservation Voters and The Sierra Club, who called the decision “absolutely horrifying.” If Wheeler is confirmed, he’d be in line to take over for embattled EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt, whose ethical violations have placed his job in jeopardy. This weekend, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) announced her plan to confirm Wheeler and it is expected that Joe Manchin (D-WV) may vote for him as well. This makes the votes of Maine Senators Angus King (I) and Susan Collins (R) even more critical. The Senate is expected to vote this week.
THE ACTION
- Call and email senators King and Collins and ask them to publicly commit to OPPOSE the nomination of Andrew Wheeler for EPA Deputy Administrator. See the sidebar at the top of this page for contact info.
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
