Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

Katie Brown Katie_Brown@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-2160  

Inhofe Troubled By Obama Administration Nomination of Rebecca Wodder

Washington, D.C.-Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today commented on President Obama's announcement that he has nominated Rebecca Wodder to be the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the Department of the Interior.

"Given the intense regulatory regime unleashed by this administration, it is not surprising that President Obama has chosen Ms. Wodder to be the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks," Senator Inhofe said.  "I have serious concerns about her nomination: she is the CEO of a far-left environmental organization and was a staunch supporter of the Clean Water Restoration Act, a bill that would have given the federal government authority over practically every body of water in the country, no matter how small.  She is also an active proponent of federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing-a practice that is efficiently and effectively regulated by States. 

"The selection of Ms. Wodder is a clear departure from her predecessor, Tom Strickland, who in testimony before the EPW committee said that we should actively and aggressively develop our energy resources.  Unfortunately, Ms. Wodder's support for regulatory advancement suggests that she would do the opposite.  While I remain concerned, I look forward to meeting with her, and having the opportunity to ask her to explain her positions, especially on the federal regulation of our nation's waters and hydraulic fracturing."