New EPA Chief on Collision Course Over Conflicts of Interest
- Ex-lobbyist recused himself from issues affecting old clients
- But such recusals can be waived, and aren’t always enforced
Andrew Wheeler
Photographer: Alex Edelman/dpa/AP Photo
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The former energy lobbyist tapped to run the Environmental Protection Agency has promised to stay away from decisions that affect his old clients. But it might not be that simple.
Ethics watchdogs warn that Andrew Wheeler’s commitment to recuse himself is unlikely to be enforced if broken, and can be waived by the very staff that Wheeler now oversees. The result, they say, is that Wheeler’s pledge may not count for much.