Sen. Elizabeth Warren demanded more information about David Dunlap, a former Koch Industries official who now oversees EPA's Office of Research and Development, and Bill Wehrum, a former industry lawyer, who is now the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. | Joshua Roberts/Getty Images ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Warren demands answers from EPA on industry influence

Sen. Elizabeth Warren Friday sounded an alarm about potential conflicts of interest in Environmental Protection Agency.

"Despite his pledge to 'drain the swamp,' President Trump has expanded the influence of the fossil fuel industry under his Administration by nominating and appointing numerous former lobbyists and corporate advocates to senior positions at the EPA," Warren wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.


The Massachusetts Democrat and presidential candidatedemanded more information about David Dunlap, a former Koch Industries official who now oversees EPA's Office of Research and Development, and Bill Wehrum, a former industry lawyer, who is now the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. The inquiry was based on POLITICO's reporting on the two officials.

"When individuals like Mr. Dunlap and Mr. Wehrum are put into positions that provide them with the power to influence environmental policies and impact the lives of millions of Americans, it is clear that this Administration cares more about serving the fossil fuel industry than it does about the health and wellbeing of the American people," Warren wrote.

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Specifically, Warren pointed to Dunlap's role overseeing EPA's research on toxic chemicals called PFAS, for which his former employer is facing a class-action lawsuit related to a site in Michigan, raising concerns that "despite Koch Industries extensive legal and financial interests in EPA decisions about PFAS chemicals, Mr. Dunlap is not prohibited from involvement in EPA PFAS policies that could have significant impacts on the company."

Warren also questioned whether Wehrum had properly followed ethics agreements given his prior work for the Utility Air Regulatory Group, a shadowy organization comprised of power companies and trade associations.

“Since joining the agency, Mr. Wehrum has taken numerous actions that appear to align with his previous clients’ priorities rather than the interests of the public,” Warren said.

Warren requested that EPA respond to a series of specific questions regarding Dunlap's and Wehrum's work and ethics agreements by March 12.

"We will respond to the Senator through the proper channels," EPA spokesperson John Konkus said in an email.

