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Senate confirmation process begins this week for EPA chief

Jan 15, 2019
Andrew Wheeler is expected to face tough questions about his former role as a lobbyist for the fossil fuel industry.
Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Aug. 1, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Pruitt out, but not many changes expected at EPA

Jul 5, 2018
Supporters, foes and independent observers of the Trump administration agree that deregulation will remain a top priority.
Environmental activists protest outside of the Harvard Club where Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt was scheduled to speak, June 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The EPA is looking to regulate chemicals found in some widely used products

May 23, 2018
Environmental groups, dubious of the move by the agency say new regulations could take years to come.

EPA head Scott Pruitt to face first congressional hearing. What's his grade so far?

Dec 7, 2017
Environmental Protection Agnecy head Scott Pruitt is scheduled to testify before Congress today. ((Thurs)) The oversight hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee will focus on how he’s managed the agency since taking the reins. Questions will come from Republicans and Democrats. What’s he likely to face?  Click the audio player above to hear […]

EPA head shifts makeup of panel science advisers

Nov 1, 2017
Pruitt is installing new science advisors who have a history of being more industry friendly.

California’s federal waiver for higher fuel efficiency rules is 'not under review' by EPA

Jun 16, 2017
There are two forces pushing cars and fuel efficiency in opposition directions: the federal government and California. California for decades has had special permission to set environmental rules that are stricter than the federal rules. The Trump administration had suggested it might try to revoke the waiver that grants that permission. But in a bit […]

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Prospective cuts have EPA workers weighing their options

May 23, 2017
The question of staying or going comes up anytime political control shifts. For some, the time to go may come soon.
EPA staffers have been dealing with massive shifts in the way their agency operates, with executive orders that have mandated reviews or canceled several environmental initiatives and rhetoric about reducing regulation.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Critics say HONEST Act undercuts EPA’s use of science

Apr 10, 2017
Email suggests the head of the EPA ignored staff objections to a measure that could restrict the agency's ability to use the best science
A view of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters on March 16, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Automakers ask EPA for a chance to revisit strict fuel mileage rules

Feb 22, 2017
One of former President Barack Obama’s environmental victories was getting automakers to agree to much higher fuel efficiency standards back in 2011. In his last days in office, his administration worked to finalize those standards through 2025. That came as a bit of a shock to carmakers who had expected a chance to revisit the […]