On the Eve of his inauguration, Virginia Conservation Network joins the growing chorus of calls for Governor Youngkin to pull his Secretary nomination, otherwise the Senate to oppose the nomination

(Richmond, VA) It is rare for any Cabinet Secretary positions to be opposed by the General Assembly, and the Virginia Conservation Network has never weighed in on Cabinet Secretary nominations in its 50+ year history. However, on the eve of his inauguration, the Virginia Conservation Network, a partnership of 150+ environmental organizations, sent a letter publicly calling on Governor Glenn Youngkin to withdraw his nomination of former EPA Chief, Andrew Wheeler, for the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources role.

The letter states that Wheeler’s record, statements, work experience as a coal industry lobbyist, and public positions render him unable to carry out the duty to protect “the atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment or destruction, for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth” as the Secretary is tasked per the Virginia Constitution.

The letter emphasized VCN’s 50-year history of working collaboratively with Administrations of both parties and that they remain hopeful to work with Governor Youngkin on shared environmental priorities to include land conservation, clean water, and advancing a clean energy future.

If the nomination is not withdrawn then the Virginia Conservation Network asks that the Virginia General Assembly vote “No” on the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources nomination.

Virginia Conservation Network is a partnership of over 150 environmental organizations working together to create a powerful, diverse, highly-coordinated conservation movement in Virginia.

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