Former coal lobbyist nears Senate OK for EPA position
Senate Republicans are moving to confirm a former coal industry lobbyist as the second highest ranking official at the Environmental Protection Agency, putting him next in line if embattled administrator Scott Pruitt is forced to resign or is fired.
A Senate vote could come as soon as Thursday on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to serve as EPA’S deputy administrator.
The push comes as Democrats and a few Republicans are calling on President Donald Trump to replace Pruitt. If confirmed, Wheeler would be poised to become the agency’s active chief, at least temporarily, if Pruitt were forced out.