Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, was joined by Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler for a fireside chat to discuss the success of the EPA. 

"During this president’s tenure, his administration has taken significant steps to reduce pollution. Since 2017, emissions of pollutants have fallen seven percent. Also, we have seen greenhouse gas emissions fall two percent in 2019 even with a booming economy. Yet the average American is unaware of these accomplishments,” said Burgess. 

"Even during this pandemic, Administrator Wheeler has led the EPA to ensure continued environmental protection while providing reasonable accommodations for reporting and data collection requirements for facilities shut down due to COVID-19. Additionally, to do its part to combat this Coronavirus, the agency approved close to 500 disinfectants and approved the first-ever long lasting anti-viral product to protect those traveling on airplanes. All this was accomplished with record speed, efficiency, and transparency. 

"It is important that Americans know how the government is being a good steward of our environment. I appreciate the time Administrator Wheeler was able to provide to me and the 26th District of Texas today.”