Senate Environment Panel Okays Trump’s Pick to Lead EPA

Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in Washington on Aug. 1, 2018. Win McNamee/Getty Images

WASHINGTON–A key Senate committee approved President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Feb. 5, putting acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler a step closer to becoming the permanent head of America’s top environmental regulator.

Wheeler, a Washington insider with years of experience in Congress, was nominated by Trump last month to replace Scott Pruitt, who resigned in July after criticism for alleged ethical missteps.