(October 31, 2017) - A number of nominees for senior EPA positions, including David Ross, who has been tapped to lead the Office of Water, were approved on October 25 by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  Other nominees advanced included individuals to run EPA’s air office, chemical safety office, and the Office of General Counsel.  While some of the nominees were approved along contentious party line votes, Ross was approved via voice vote.  This indicated a strong decree of bipartisan support for his nomination, and hopefully bodes well for his ability to work across party lines on key water issues once he officially starts at EPA. 

The nominations now await action by the full Senate for confirmation, and join the nomination of Susan Bodine - who has been selected to lead EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance - for a vote on the Senate floor.  It is not yet clear when the Senate will vote on the nominations, but NACWA is hopeful that a bipartisan deal can be struck to confirm at least some of the nominees – including Ross and Bodine – sooner rather than later.  We will keep the membership updated on developments.