On November 9, 2017, the Senate confirmed William Wherum as the assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. Wherum previously served in the Office of Air and Radiation under President George W. Bush. Wherum has experience as an industry attorney representing a variety of clients including oil, gas, coal and chemical companies. Wherum is expected to lead the agency in rewriting the Obama-era Clean Power Plan.

On December 7, 2017, the Senate confirmed Susan Parker Bodine to serve as an assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA. Bodine has served as chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, has practiced law at a private firm and has also served as the assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Bodine has also served as a staff director of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

With the confirmation of these two top positions, it is more likely the administration can advance its environmental agenda.