The Senate on Thursday confirmed former coal industry lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in a 52 to 47 vote, largely along party lines. “The Senate has taken decisive action to confirm Andrew Wheeler as administrator of the [EPA],” Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., tweeted. ANDREW WHEELER IS A FORMER COAL LOBBYIST WITH DECADES-LONG EXPERIENCE IN WASHINGTONDuring his time as acting EPA administrator, Wheeler has proposed a slackening of the carbon limits on power plants and an easing of the fuel-efficiency standards for cars and light trucks. “Andrew Wheeler has been seen as a thoughtful leader who understands the need for sensible environmental policies,” Michelle Bloodworth, the president of the coal industry group America’s Power, said in a statement. We congratulate Administrator Wheeler, and look forward to his continued leadership at the EPA.”

Source: Fox News February 28, 2019 19:18 UTC