Press Release – January 5, 2022| January 5, 2022
CHARLOTTESVILLE (VA) Today, Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin announced Virginia’s next Secretary for Natural Resources. Andrew Wheeler is his nominee, who was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump Administration.
Sarah Francisco, director of SELCs Virginia office released the following statement in response: This nomination has been extremely disappointing. As a former head EPA in Trump’s Administration and a former coal industry lobbyist Mr. Wheeler has a track record of weakening basic safeguards for clean air and clean water, as well as opposing common-sense efforts to combat climate change. We are hoping to work with the incoming Youngkin Administration towards clean water, clean air, and a thriving, healthy future for all Virginia’s communities goals the majority of Virginians share. The track record of the nominee is in direct contradiction to these priorities and sends a troubling message. We will continue to stand for the essential protections of our environment and health that are beneficial for all Virginians.
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The Southern Environmental Law Center, rooted in South Carolina, is one of the most powerful environmental defenders in the country. The SELC has a long track record of tackling environmental issues in court, government, and communities to protect air, water and climate as well as wildlife, lands and people. Non-profit and impartial, the organization employs 170 people, including 90 attorneys. It is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, Washington, D.C.