Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing on the nominations of David Fotouhi and Aaron Szabo for key positions at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fotouhi is nominated for Deputy Administrator, while Szabo is proposed as Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation.

Chairman Capito acknowledged both nominees' extensive experience in environmental matters from their roles in both public and private sectors. She emphasized their potential contributions to steering the EPA back to its primary mission: safeguarding air, land, and water without hindering economic growth.

During her opening remarks, Chairman Capito stated: “Today we will receive testimony from David Fotouhi, the nominee to serve as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Deputy Administrator and from Aaron Szabo, to serve as the EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. These are two very important positions in the Agency."

Fotouhi's background includes working as a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher with a focus on environmental law. He has also served within the EPA as Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel. Capito noted his past experience would be invaluable: “Mr. Fotouhi’s previous experience at the EPA provides him a wealth of perspective on the Agency’s critical role in protecting our nation’s air, land, and water while doing so within the boundaries of legal authority that Congress has established.”

Szabo's nomination comes after serving as a Senior Advisor to the EPA Administrator. His career spans over ten years in various governmental roles including with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. According to Chairman Capito: “Mr. Szabo’s nomination to lead the Office of Air and Radiation will place him in a central role to roll back the Biden administration’s extreme attack on reliable, baseload energy sources.”

The nominees were praised for their understanding of regulatory impacts based on prior experiences representing diverse clients in legal proceedings related to energy and environment.

Capito concluded by expressing confidence in their capabilities: “I am confident our witnesses’ legal training, previous government experience, and professional experience will serve them well in the positions for which they have been nominated.”

The hearing marks an effort towards redefining EPA's approach under President Trump's agenda by aligning it with congressional mandates while promoting economic growth.