The Virginia State Senate should reject Andrew Wheeler’s nomination to the position of secretary of natural and historical resources by the new governors. Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist and EPA head under Donald Trump, tried to weaken standards for pollution from power plants and vehicle exhaust as well as in drinking water.
For the benefit of Virginia’s citizens, the secretary of natural and historical resources must protect our environment, lands, waters, and atmosphere from pollution, impairment, destruction, and for that purpose, the Commonwealth. Andrew Wheeler’s record suggests that he is incapable of fulfilling this obligation.
In the last few years, the Commonwealth has made rapid progress on clean-energy jobs and solar power.
Virginia was not ranked in the top 20 states when it came to clean energy for years. We ranked No.1 in 2021. We were ranked No. 5 in the nation for new solar installations. It would be a shame if we put this progress at risk, and even risk moving backwards on protecting clean water, especially in the Valley.
Contact Sen. Emmett hanger to tell him to reject Andrew Wheeler’s nomination for secretary of natural resources and historic resources.
ERIK CURREN
Staunton
This article first appeared on Staunton News Leader Staunton citizen claims Andrew Wheeler poses a threat to clean air and water