Former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler is new EPA administrator

The GOP-led U.S. Senate today confirmed ex-coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to run Environmental Protection Agency, in a 52-47 vote mostly along party lines.

52-47 The #Senate CONFIRMED Andrew Wheeler to be Administrator of the EPA.

Senator Collins voted no joining all Democrats. Senator Sinema did not vote.

— Senate Press Gallery (@SenatePress) February 28, 2019

Wheeler has been serving as acting administrator of Trump's EPA since Scott Pruitt resigned over alleged ethics violations in July, 2018.

On the GOP side, only Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) opposed Wheeler, and voted against him. She described his policies as not in the best interest of our environment and public health."

Arizona Senator Kristen Sinema did not vote.

Below, tweets from lawmakers who voted "no," and from journalists and environmental advocates around the time Wheeler's confirmation was completed today.

.@SenatorCollins just accidentally voted for EPA nom Andrew Wheeler and quickly corrected to a no. She kind of shook her head and laughed at her mistake. She was the only Republican to oppose the nominee.

— Jennifer Haberkorn (@jenhab) February 28, 2019

U.S. Senate in 52-47 vote confirmed Andrew Wheeler for EPA Administrator: pic.twitter.com/IDnvtZ8ok1

— Greg Giroux (@greggiroux) February 28, 2019

.@SenatorCollins just voted "no" on @EPAAWheeler's confirmation https://t.co/Li9ms6XVMF

— Zahra Hirji (@Zhirji28) February 28, 2019

Senate Republicans just overrode bipartisan opposition to confirm ex-coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to be Trump Administration's next EPA Administrator.

As with Wheeler's predecessor Scott Pruitt, it will be vital that Congress exercise oversight. House Democrats will be vigilant.