On Wednesday, April 26, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a markup on the nominations of Joe Goffman to head the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation, and David Uhlmann to head the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Both positions have remained vacant for the entire Biden administration due to partisan politics on Capitol Hill. Ahead of the committee hearing, Earthjustice Vice President of Policy and Legislation Raúl García issued the following statement: 

“It is a shame that that both positions have remained vacant for years. The Senate must immediately move them towards confirmation, keeping in mind the critical roles that both officials will have in addressing the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice. 

“Joe Goffman understands the Clean Air Act and the responsibility of the government to protect communities from harmful air pollution. The EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation handles the implementation of important air quality standards that are critical to ensuring that communities across the country can breathe the healthy air they deserve. His expertise and knowledge are just what we need at this critical moment when climate change is making existing legacy air pollution issues worse.  

“David Uhlmann is exceptionally well-qualified to lead the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. At a time when communities are facing increased exposure to pollutants in their air and drinking water, confirming Uhlmann will allow the agency to hold corporations accountable when their behavior harms communities. Regulations and laws on paper are not enough. We need a strong leader like Uhlmann to ensure they are enforced and actually protect our communities and the environment they depend on. 

“Leaving these positions unfilled endangers our ability to keep communities safe. It’s time to stop playing politics with people’s health and well-being and quickly confirm Goffman and Uhlmann to their positions.”