Andrew R. Wheeler

Andrew R. Wheeler, born on December 23, 1964, is a multifaceted American professional known for his roles as an attorney, businessperson, politician, linguist, and biologist. He gained significant recognition as the fifteenth administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a position he held from 2019 to 2021. His journey in the EPA began when he was appointed as deputy administrator in April 2018, a role he maintained until he became the acting administrator in July of the same year.

Wheeler's tenure at the EPA was marked by his close association with the Trump administration, having been nominated by President Donald Trump in October 2017 and confirmed as deputy administrator in April 2018. Following the resignation of Scott Pruitt, he stepped into the role of acting administrator and was later confirmed as the permanent administrator in February 2019, following a narrow Senate vote.

Before his time at the EPA, Wheeler was a senior advisor to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin starting in March 2022. His legal career includes working at the law firm Faegre Baker Daniels, where he represented coal magnate Robert E. Murray and lobbied against the Obama administration's environmental regulations. He also served as chief counsel to the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, working closely with Senator James Inhofe, a notable figure in climate change skepticism.

Wheeler is known for his critical stance on greenhouse gas emission limits and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, reflecting his commitment to a regulatory approach that prioritizes industry interests. His diverse background in law, politics, and environmental policy positions him as a significant figure in contemporary American environmental discourse.