The Senate has confirmed former fossil fuel lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as deputy EPA administrator, providing a second-in-command for Administrator Scott Pruitt as he struggles amid alleged ethical failings.

Wheeler was confirmed Thursday with a 53-45 vote. Some Democrats hoped Pruitt’s difficulties would give them the votes to block the confirmation, but their efforts were not enough. Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia joined Republicans in voting for Wheeler. Both are running for re-election this year in states won by President Donald Trump.

“Every West Virginian wants clean air and clean water and I intend to be vigilant in working with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that our fundamental environmental protections are implemented in a sound, fair and effective way,” Manchin said after the vote. “I believe that the economy and the environment can and must be balanced. After meeting with Andrew Wheeler, I believe that he will work with states like West Virginia, not against us.”

Wheeler, who has previously worked for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, including under former Chairman James M. Inhofe, R-Okla., had an easier process during confirmation hearings before lawmakers familiar with him.

Democrats raised concerns that his ties to the fossil fuel industry could influence his actions at the agency, which they criticize for undoing environmental protections and for lacking transparency under Pruitt. But many acknowledged they knew him from his time with the committee and that they could work with him at EPA.