Hirono Votes Against Andrew Wheeler for Deputy EPA Administrator

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted against the confirmation of Andrew Wheeler to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Wheeler, a coal industry lobbyist who denies the existence of climate change, was confirmed by the Senate on a 53-45 vote.

“At a time when the current EPA administrator is under siege for his lack of ethics, we don’t need a deputy administrator who will prioritize the interests of the fossil fuel industry over the public’s,” Senator Hirono said. “Although we weren’t successful in blocking Andrew Wheeler’s nomination today, I will continue to hold Trump’s EPA accountable for the damage it is doing to our environment and our country.”

Senator Hirono is a champion of policies that protect the environment. She received a perfect score on the most recent League of Conservation Voters’ legislative scorecard.