For Immediate Release Contact: Peter Rafle

April 11, 2007 (202) 228-3102 direct, (202) 302-7086 cell

U.S. Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works

 

           

 

Boxer Statement on Withdrawal of
EPA Nominees Wehrum and Beehler

 

 

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released the following statement in response to the Bush Administration’s withdrawal of the nominations of Alex Beehler to be Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency, and William Wehrum to be Assistant EPA Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation.



Senator Boxer said, “The withdrawal of William Wehrum’s nomination is good news. Since Mr. Wehrum has been in a top position at the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, he has worked to serve polluters instead of protecting our families. Under his watch, EPA took language for a proposed mercury rule directly from industry lawyers; he supported policies that take the objective scientific review out of the process of setting air quality standards; and he worked to weaken air toxics policies on benzene and other cancer causing chemicals.”



“With respect to Mr. Beehler, the President was right to withdraw the nomination, since the EPA deserves an Inspector General with experience rooting out waste, fraud and mismanagement, and with a strong record of environmental protection.”



“I strongly urge President Bush to select new nominees for these vital positions who have the experience and expertise for their jobs, and who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of our families and communities.”



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