"EPA: Under Pressure, Wehrum Details Recusal Obligations"

"Ten months after taking over as EPA air chief, Bill Wehrum yesterday signed off on a recusal letter in which he formally pledged to avoid participation in 'any particular matter' involving several dozen companies and trade groups that he previously represented as an attorney in private practice.

In accordance with a Trump administration executive order, the recusal period will run though Nov. 12, 2019, or two years after Wehrum rejoined EPA as assistant administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation.

Among the former clients covered by the recusal requirements are Duke Energy Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp. and the conglomerate Koch Industries Inc.

Wehrum also indicated he would steer clear of involvement in more than 30 legal cases involving the American Petroleum Institute, Brick Industry Association and Utility Air Regulatory Group, among other past clients."

Sean Reilly reports for Greenwire September 18, 2018.

Source: Greenwire, 09/19/2018