The Senate has confirmed Joseph Goffman to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air, amidst a contentious nomination process. Senator Carper publicly supported Goffman's nomination on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to support the nominee. In contrast, senators such as SenKevinCramer and SenLummis opposed the confirmation, criticizing Goffman as a 'climate zealot' associated with the Biden administration's 'excessive, overbearing rules' and accusing him of championing 'Green New Deal style regulations' and blaming Wyoming for Denver's poor air quality. The confirmation vote was notably close, passing with a 50-49 margin due to the absence of Senator John Barrasso, who was mourning the death of his wife. Had he been present, the vote could have resulted in a 50-50 tie.
President Biden's nominee to lead @EPA's Office of Air, Joe Goffman, has championed Green New Deal style regulations and wants to blame Wyoming for Denver's poor air quality, as if that makes any sense. Joe Goffman is bad for Wyoming which is why I voted against his nomination.
Appalling... Senate Democrats take advantage of the absence of @SenJohnBarrasso (whose wife died last week) to confirm climate activist Joe Goffman for the top air job at EPA 50-49. Manchin joined the 48 present Republicans. Had Barrasso voted, it would have been 50-50, forcing… https://t.co/ngLGT6aBAn
The Senate voted to confirm Joseph Goffman to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s air office, which is racing to finalize some of President Biden’s most consequential climate rules before the end of his first term. https://t.co/4M77oAsBAN
Joe Goffman is a climate zealot who has played a primary role in some of the most excessive, overbearing rules the Biden administration churns out. Today I voted against confirming him to be @EPA Assistant Administrator. Read my full statement ⤵️ https://t.co/PavfJnEgUk
WATCH LIVE: I’m on the Senate floor urging my colleagues to support the nomination of Joseph Goffman to lead @EPAair. https://t.co/87FY1EUSOT