WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Fotouhi to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Appointed by President Donald J. Trump, David Fotouhi will work in this role to advance the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative.
“I am excited that David Fotouhi is returning to EPA to help us Power the Great American Comeback,” said Administrator Zeldin. “His experience and knowledge of the agency are vital to help advance our core mission of protecting human health and the environment. I congratulate him on his swift confirmation.”
“I am honored and humbled to rejoin EPA. I pledge to work every day to advance President Trump’s and Administrator Zeldin’s ambitious agenda to protect our nation’s air, land, and water resources and to unleash our nation’s economic growth engine,” said incoming EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi. “EPA must strive to empower American innovation to find tomorrow’s solutions for today’s environmental challenges, and I look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin and the thousands of EPA career professionals to make tangible environmental progress for the American people.”
EPA’s Deputy Administrator is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Agency. The Deputy Administrator coordinates the important work of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Water, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Land and Emergency Management, Office of International and Tribal Affairs, EPA’s ten regional offices, and EPA’s research, enforcement, legal, and budget teams.
David Fotouhi is an experienced environmental attorney who previously served in senior roles at the EPA. During the first term of the Trump Administration, David served as the EPA’s Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel. David returns to the EPA from his most recent role as a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where he practiced environmental law on a broad range of issues. He brings extensive experience in environmental legal and policy issues to his new role. David is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Harvard Law School and previously served as a law clerk for Judge Raymond W. Gruender on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Here’s what people are saying about David Fotouhi’s presidential appointment:
Senator James Lankford (R-OK): “David brings a sharp legal mind and deep expertise in environmental policy. David will be a strong voice for common-sense leadership at the EPA. We’re proud to see him bring his Oklahoma values to Washington.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): “I was proud to introduce David, a fellow Oklahoman, at his hearing earlier this year and am proud to help get him across the finish line today. Administrator Zeldin and the entire EPA team are lucky to have someone as talented and experienced as David working alongside them to accomplish the President’s mission.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): “Congratulations to David Fotouhi on becoming Deputy Administrator of the EPA. David is a champion of commonsense environmental regulations and of repealing Green New Scam policies that have burdened the West. I look forward to working with you, Deputy Administrator!”
Former EPA Administrator and Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler: “David Fotouhi served the EPA well as the Acting General Counsel during the first term and he will be an outstanding Deputy Administrator. He has the knowledge, expertise, and humility to serve the American people well.”
Former EPA General Counsel Matt Leopold: “David Fotouhi’s return to EPA as Deputy Administrator will be a great benefit to our nation. He is one of the smartest environmental lawyers in the country, having previously led the Office of General Counsel. He cares deeply about EPA’s mission and will tirelessly serve the American people.”
Former Acting EPA Deputy Administrator Doug Benevento: “David Fotouhi is uniquely qualified to serve as Deputy Administrator. We worked together in the first Trump Administration and his knowledge of the law and the agency put him in the position to serve the Administrator and the President achieve their goals protecting the environment, eliminating unnecessary regulation, and making America energy dominant.”
Former EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross: “David Fotouhi is one of the smartest lawyers I’ve ever worked with. His ability to understand and navigate the complex intersection of law, policy and science is extraordinary, as is his ability to translate that knowledge into understandable advice and counsel. I’m sure he will excel in his new role at EPA.”
American Exploration & Production Council CEO Anne Bradbury: “We congratulate David Fotouhi on his confirmation and are confident that his proven commitment to responsible environmental stewardship will be invaluable as EPA works to unleash America’s energy dominance. AXPC looks forward to working with him to achieve a smart, durable regulatory environment that fosters responsible energy production while balancing environmental protections.”
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President and CEO Chet Thompson: “Mr. Fotouhi has extensive experience with the inner workings of the agency, having previously served as Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel at the EPA during President Trump’s first administration. Without a doubt, his expertise and skill in providing legal counsel to the Administrator and overseeing nearly every major environmental statute and office within the EPA make him uniquely qualified for the role of Deputy Administrator. Mr. Fotouhi’s leadership would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the EPA and help strengthen the agency’s role in addressing the complex environmental challenges we face.”
American Trucking Association President & CEO Chris Spear: “Having a Deputy Administrator at EPA who has previously served key roles in the General Counsel’s office is of the utmost importance over the next four years.”
Independent Petroleum Association of America Chief Operating Officer Daniel Naatz: “David Fotouhi [is] extremely qualified and possesses the knowledge, experience, and executive skills to be outstanding leaders at the EPA. Mr. Fotouhi’s previous work at EPA as acting General Counsel and as an environmental lawyer in private practice give him broad knowledge of the agency and its important mission for the American people.”
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Senior Vice President of Government Relations Louis Finkel: “Recent EPA actions directly targeting critical, always available generation sources – namely coal- and natural gas-fired power plants – are not only unlawful but are barriers to the Trump Administration’s vision of American energy dominance. The Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Rule is particularly harmful to electricity reliability and affordability. EPA, under the leadership of David Fotouhi, can address this challenge by immediately repealing the rule as well as other unlawful actions and replacing them with commonsense policies consistent with the laws Congress enacted. NRECA is proud to support David Fotouhi… and looks forward to working with [him] to advance U.S. energy security and reliability.”
CropLife America President and CEO Alexandra Dunn: “CropLife America (CLA) congratulates David Fotouhi on his Senate confirmation to serve as Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Fotouhi brings deep knowledge of the agency’s day-to-day work and the expertise needed to excel in this important leadership role. CLA and our member companies remain committed to a science based approach in working with the EPA on key issues such as pesticide regulation, innovation, and endangered species protection. EPA-approved pesticides are critical for American jobs, lowering grocery costs, protecting national security, and reducing the trade deficit. We look forward to working with Mr. Fotouhi and the EPA team to support their important work.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “The cattle industry is thrilled to see more two more highly qualified nominees receive confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Mr. Fotouhi has a wealth of experience in environmental law and will be a key leader for ensuring the EPA returns to its core mission of protecting natural resources rather than obstructing family farmers and ranchers. NCBA looks forward to working with Deputy Administrator Fotouhi.”
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