Andrew Wheeler

Earlier this year, Senate Democrats rejected former EPA chief Andrew Wheeler's nomination to be Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. Now, he says, he's looking forward to bringing his experience to this new office.

Members of the General Assembly almost always approve Cabinet secretaries. In fact, there's been only one other example of lawmakers saying no to a Cabinet pick in the history of the Cabinet.

Through a spokeswoman, the governor says he's disappointed in the vote – and he hopes the Senate will reconsider. He also says Wheeler will continue to serve as Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources until the General Assembly adjourns.

The nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be Virginia's environmental secretary is hanging by a thread, and Senate Democrats may end up rejecting it as early as Friday.

Being the EPA chief for Donald Trump isn't really the best resume for Senate Democrats, who are hoping to reject Governor Glenn Youngkin's pick for running his administration's environmental policy. That created a sense of tension when Andrew Wheeler testified before a Senate panel that makes environmental laws.