Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the nomination of Andrew Wheeler as the Administrator of the EPA. Under the provisions of the Federal Vacancies Act, Mr. Wheeler can continue to lead the EPA until August 7 of this year. Rushing to judgment on his nomination will close the window of opportunity the Senate has now to ensure that he reverses course on a handful of important policies that protect our planet while creating American jobs. I am not calling for delay for delay's sake. We have 161 days to ensure that Mr. Wheeler withdraws his proposal to put the mercury and air toxics standards rule in legal jeopardy. We have 161 days to hear him say that he supports Senate ratification of a treaty that phases out harmful HFCs while creating jobs. We have 161 days to ensure that he negotiates with a coalition, including California and 12 other States, on vehicle fuel efficiency standards and greenhouse gas emissions while giving the auto industry the certainty they need. While progress is being made on these important issues, I am asking my colleagues to vote no today on cloture on the motion to proceed to this nomination.
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