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Jackson, Ryan[jackson.ryan@epa.gov] POLITICO Pro Energy Whiteboard Wed 11/8/2017 6:10:13 PM Wheeler attended Murray meetings on DOE coal aid but says he didn't write company's pitch
By Alex Guillen
11/08/2017 01:08 PM EDT
Andrew Wheeler, the nominee for EPA deputy administrator, says he represented Murray Energy in meetings with Energy Department and congressional officials to support Trump administration efforts to prop up ailing coal-fired power plants.
Wheeler, who counted Murray among his clients as a lobbyist at Faegre Baker Daniels, faced numerous questions at his confirmation hearing today over his work for the company, which would be one of the main beneficiaries of DOE's proposed grid rule, and its CEO Bob Murray, a top supporter of President Donald Trump. Wheeler said he attended a Murray Energy meeting at DOE where the grid proposal was discussed several months ago, as well as a meeting on Capitol Hill on the subject. He said he de-registered as a lobbyist in August.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse pressed Wheeler over Murray's comments in a recent PBS Frontline documentary. The CEO said he gave Trump "an action plan" outlining coal policies to pursue, including eliminating the Clean Power Plan.
"I did not work on that and I do not have a copy of that memo," Wheeler told Whitehouse at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing.
Wheeler said Murray gave him a copy to read in December or January. "I looked at it and handed it back to him, I don't have it," Wheeler said, adding that he did not recall any specifics.
Whitehouse said he hopes to get a copy of the plan with the help of EPW Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) now that Wheeler confirmed its existence.
WHAT'S NEXT: The committee will likely vote on Wheeler's nomination in the coming weeks.
To view online'. https://www.politicopro.eom/energy/whiteboard/2017/l 1/wheeler-attended-murray-meetings-on-
doe-coal-aid~but-says-he-didnt-write-companys-pitch-095389
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