President Trump said on Friday that he will nominate Andrew Wheeler to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump said Wheeler “is going to be made permanent” in introducing him at a White House Medal of Freedom event at the White House.
“He’s done fantastic job, and I want to congratulate him,” he added. “Congratulations, Andrew. Great job.”
Wheeler has been serving as acting administrator since July after former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned from the post amid numerous scandals over his misuse of federal funds.
Wheeler told the Washington Examiner that he is “humbled and grateful” that Trump intends to nominate him on a permanent basis. “I look forward to continuing to carry out his agenda and the mission of our agency,” he said.
The news comes as several members of Trump’s Cabinet are expected to step down before the new year, including Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who is facing a Justice Department investigation into allegations that he used his position for personal gain.
Wheeler is a former energy lobbyist and Republican congressional staffer. He has a law degree and an MBA.
