Trump nominates lawyer with industry ties for a top EPA role

David Fotouhi, President Trump’s pick for US Environmental Protection Agency deputy administrator, has represented companies accused of environmental pollution and worked to weaken climate and other regulations during his previous EPA tenure.

Sharon Lerner reports for ProPublica.

In short:

David Fotouhi, a lawyer who challenged the EPA's asbestos ban and defended firms accused of PFAS pollution, has been nominated as the agency's deputy administrator.
Environmentalists question Fotouhi's ability to fairly regulate due to his past advocacy for industry-friendly policies, including weakened water and coal ash standards.
Fotouhi’s nomination reflects a broader trend of Trump-era appointees with strong ties to polluting industries.

Key quote:

“Here’s a guy who wrote a very biased and one-sided attack on the EPA rule on asbestos. I would not want him to come anywhere near EPA decision-making on the asbestos rule.”

— Robert Sussman, attorney and former EPA deputy administrator

Why this matters:

Fotouhi’s track record, particularly during his tenure at the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration, has led to questions about the enforcement of regulations aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment. Concerns focus on his handling of key issues like asbestos, PFAS chemicals and water quality, all of which carry significant implications for both immediate and long-term health outcomes. Communities nationwide, especially those already burdened by environmental injustices, are watching closely to see whether protections will falter under policies that Fotouhi could influence.

www.propublica.org

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