Andrew Wheeler brings a new tone and a vow of openness to the agency. However, he plans to pursue the same goal as his predecessor, which could weaken environmental regulations.
EPA
Environmentalists Are Glad Pruitt Is Out but Worry What’s Next
With Scott Pruitt’s resignation, EPA deputy administrator Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, takes charge and is likely to continue the same deregulation and antienvironment policies.
Congressman Renews Call for EPA Administrator to Resign
In an interview with Eos, Rep. Don Beyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat on the House Science Committee, details why he calls Pruitt “an embarrassment” to the Trump administration.
Former EPA Chief Decries Attacks on Science
Gina McCarthy also expresses concern about the current state of the agency.
Federal Spending Act Boosts Funding for Many Science Agencies
Congressional priorities reflected in the legislation differed sharply from the administration’s.
White House Budget Plan Presents a Mixed Picture for Science
The administration’s blueprint, now with Congress, would spare some geoscience agencies because of a budget deal reached with Congress last week, but EPA, NOAA, and USGS would be hit hard.
Will Clean Air Fade Away?
Government-sponsored research and regulations enabled western U.S. states to clean up their air, despite industrial and population growth. Proposed funding cuts could undo this progress.
Leave EPA Now or Wait It Out? That’s the Question Staffers Face
In interviews, some former Environmental Protection Agency workers, most of whom left the agency in 2017, discuss their careers and efforts to help colleagues find jobs and to preserve EPA’s strengths.
EPA Proposes Repealing Its Own Obama Era Clean Power Plan
The action of the agency, now realigned by the Trump administration, “just begins the battle,” according to environmentalists and others who plan to challenge EPA’s proposed repeal of the rule.
Environment and Labor Groups Push to Protect EPA Budget
The groups protested funding cuts, reductions in staff, and demoralizing working conditions.