Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement after voting to oppose Andrew Wheeler to serve as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator:

“Last year, U.S. carbon emissions increased, and we endured record-breaking drought and wildfire across the West. More than ever, we need strong leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency to combat climate change and protect public health.

“During his tenure at EPA, Mr. Wheeler has failed to demonstrate that he can protect the health of the American people. He weakened limits on carbon emissions and mercury pollution from coal plants, unraveled higher fuel standards for vehicles, and undermined common-sense rules to limit fugitive methane while ignoring my request to provide any compelling justification for the proposed change.

“These actions represent an agenda inconsistent with the core mission of the EPA. For these reasons, I oppose Andrew Wheeler’s nomination to serve as EPA Administrator.”