Andrew R. Wheeler Bio
Andrew R. Wheeler (born December 23, 1964) is an American attorney and former government official who served as the 15th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2019 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he is widely known for his regulatory philosophy, his prior work as an energy lobbyist, and his role in shaping federal environmental policy during the Trump administration.
Before leading the EPA, Wheeler built a long career on Capitol Hill, working closely with Senator James Inhofe, a prominent skeptic of mainstream climate science. He later worked in the private sector representing coal industry clients before returning to government service in 2017.
Early Life and Background
Andrew R. Wheeler was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on December 23, 1964. He grew up in the Midwest and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth, an accomplishment that reflected his early interest in civic engagement and the outdoors.
Wheeler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in English and biology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1987. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in 1990, laying the foundation for a career in environmental law and public policy. In 1998, he completed a Master of Business Administration at George Mason University, broadening his understanding of business and regulatory economics.
Path to US Politics
Wheeler’s entry into federal environmental work began in 1991, when he joined the EPA as a special assistant to the director of the Information Management Division within the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. During this period, he worked on issues related to toxic chemicals, pollution prevention, and right-to-know initiatives, and he received the EPA Bronze Medal in 1993 and twice in 1994 for his service.
From January 1995 until January 1997, he served as Chief Counsel to Senator James Inhofe. He then transitioned to the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, Wetlands, and Nuclear Safety, working as majority staff director and later as minority staff director. In 2003, Wheeler became chief counsel at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, a position he held until 2009.
Andrew R. Wheeler Career
Early Career (1991-2009)
Wheeler spent the early part of his career in federal roles focused on environmental regulation. His work at the EPA in the early 1990s established his expertise in toxic substances and pollution prevention, and his Bronze Medal awards highlighted his contributions to the agency.
During his nearly 14 years on Capitol Hill, Wheeler became a leading congressional staff figure on environmental issues. He was named one of the National Journal’s Top Congressional Staff Leaders in 2005 and completed a John C. Stennis Congressional Staff Fellowship in the 106th Congress, further sharpening his policy and legislative skills.
Lobbyist Era (2009-2017)
From 2009 to 2017, Wheeler worked as a lobbyist in the energy and natural resources practice at the law firm Faegre Baker Daniels. During this period, he represented Murray Energy, a major coal producer owned by Robert E. Murray, and engaged in lobbying against Obama-era climate regulations for power plants.
Wheeler advocated for federal subsidies for coal plants and helped arrange a March 2017 meeting between Robert E. Murray and Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Disclosures from this era showed that Murray Energy was Wheeler’s best-paying client, paying at least 300,000 dollars in fees over the 2009-2017 period.
EPA Deputy and Acting Administrator (2018-2019)
In October 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Wheeler to serve as Deputy Administrator of the EPA. After his initial nomination expired, he was confirmed on April 12, 2018, by a largely party-line vote of 53-45 in the Senate.
Following the resignation of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in July 2018, Wheeler became Acting Administrator of the EPA. He served in that role until his confirmation as the agency’s 15th permanent Administrator, which occurred on February 28, 2019, by a Senate vote of 52-47.
EPA Administrator Era (2019-2021)
As Administrator, Wheeler pursued a deregulatory agenda that included rolling back Obama-era environmental rules. He signed a 2019 directive to reduce animal testing by 30 percent by 2025 and eliminate it by 2035, and he advanced a controversial rule restricting the EPA’s use of scientific studies that do not make raw data publicly available, a proposal criticized by dozens of scientific and medical organizations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the EPA under Wheeler announced a policy of generally not fining companies for routine compliance violations tied to the pandemic. In April 2020, the agency declined to tighten standards for fine particulate matter and weakened the regulatory framework for mercury, decisions that drew criticism from public health advocates.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wheeler’s confirmation as the 15th EPA Administrator in February 2019 was a defining moment in his career, making him the first former lobbyist to lead the agency in decades. His tenure was marked by record-setting rollbacks of environmental rules, although he did not enact any rules that reduced air pollution or carbon emissions.
Andrew R. Wheeler Career Wins
Andrew R. Wheeler’s career achievements include senior government appointments, multiple EPA awards, and significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments. His work shaped U.S. environmental policy across three decades in public service and the private sector.
Government and Policy Highlights
Wheeler was confirmed twice by the U.S. Senate, first as Deputy Administrator in April 2018 and then as the 15th EPA Administrator in February 2019. He also received the EPA Bronze Medal on three occasions during his early career, recognizing his contributions to toxic chemical and pollution prevention efforts.
Following his federal service, Wheeler was nominated by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2022 to serve as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, becoming the first Virginia Cabinet nominee to be denied confirmation since 2006. He subsequently served as a senior advisor to Governor Youngkin and as director of the Office of Regulatory Management, roles he held until March 2024.
Other Wins and Achievements
Wheeler is Chairman Emeritus of the National Energy Resources Organization and Vice President of the Washington Coal Club. He has been recognized by the National Journal as a Top Congressional Staff Leader and as a John C. Stennis Congressional Staff Fellow, distinctions that reflect his long-standing influence in energy and environmental policy.
Andrew R. Wheeler Family
Family Background and Public Service Lineage
Public information about Andrew R. Wheeler’s immediate family and parents is limited. What is known is that he grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, suggesting an upbringing that valued civic responsibility and community involvement.
Personal Life
Wheeler has kept most of his personal life out of the public eye. Limited verified details about his spouse, children, or partners are available from reputable sources.