"EPA: To Fight Pruitt, Democrats Declare War On Wheeler"

"Frustrated by President Trump's continued support for embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Senate Democrats are vowing an all-out floor fight against the man nominated to occupy the No. 2 slot at the agency.

In light of the growing calls for Pruitt's resignation, Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) said yesterday he has "real concerns" over Trump's pick to be EPA's deputy administrator, Andrew Wheeler, a former Senate staffer and lobbyist who has represented coal interests.

"We're going to fight Wheeler all the way," Udall, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds EPA, told reporters yesterday.

Should the Wheeler nomination come up this week — which Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has signaled it will — Democrats are unlikely to yield back debate time on the nomination, Udall said."

Geof Koss and George Cahlink report for E&E Daily April 11, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"Dems Want To Delay Confirmation Of Trump Pick at EPA" (The Hill)

"Senate Republicans Aim To Confirm EPA Deputy Administrator" (AP)