"White House brings new players to the environmental party: oil, gas, and chemical industry vets join EPA team"

White House Stacks EPA Team With Oil & Gas Lobbyists [SWOP NEWS]

A Green-Shaded Surprise:

In a rather interesting turn of events, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seems to be attracting a new suite of exhibitors onto its landscape. Presidents typically fill the EPA with advocates of mother nature, but this time around, it seems industries' legal eagles and smooth-talking lobbyists have nested within the agency's ranks.

Meet the New Guardians of the Environment:

Lee Zeldin, President Trump's top choice to lead the EPA, may not have an extensive background in environmental policy, but he's been quick to gather a team who are more comfortable in boardrooms than in the great outdoors. The bold step towards these quick appointments, marks a stark contrast to Trump's first term which was slowed down by frequent internal squabbles.

The Sisterhood of Industry Experts:

Key appointees include David Fotouhi, the soon-to-be second-in-command of the EPA and a lawyer who recently challenged a ban on asbestos; Alex Dominguez, a former oil lobbyist who will work on automobile emissions; and Aaron Szabo, a lobbyist for both the oil and chemical industries who is expected to be the top air pollution regulator. The division of the EPA evaluating the safety of new chemicals will now feature lobbyist veterans Nancy Beck and Lynn Ann Dekleva, who hails from the American Chemistry Council.

The Old Guardians Raise an Eyebrow:

While it's needless to say that this move has caught the attention of those particularly green at heart, Jen Duggan, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project, voiced her concerns. She finds it alarming that former industry lobbyists and attorneys, who were once paid to weaken pollution standards, could potentially undermine regulations meant to protect the public from the same industries.

However, as all we environmental enthusiasts know, every new story promises thrilling twists and turns. In our ongoing saga of environmental protection, a hearty welcome to these unexpected characters! We look forward to seeing what positive impact they can bring to the crucial world-saving mission of the EPA.




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