Contact: Ben Schneider, bschneider@edf.org, 202-572-3279

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2019) Today, Jonathan Soohoo, Project Manager of Defend Our Future, a national grassroots organization empowering young people to take action on climate change, released the following statement on the confirmation of former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

We’re deeply disappointed that 52 senators have confirmed President Trump’s hand-picked former coal lobbyist to run the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA is the federal agency tasked with protecting human and environmental health. But as acting administrator for EPA the last eight months, Wheeler has shown us what he stands for: more mercury pollution, more smog, more water pollution, and less protection from climate change. Every senator who voted for his confirmation bears responsibility for those policies.

Young voters went to the polls last year supporting real progress on environmental protections and climate change. It’s little wonder why: they will inherit the consequences of Wheeler’s reckless agenda, particularly those who live in communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate change. Defend Our Future remains committed to educating all Americans about Wheeler’s toxic agenda, and how to fight back.