Iowan Paul Trombino Cleared by Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released the following statement after the committee voted to approve Paul Trombino III of Iowa to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration at the Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as several nominees to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“As we continue to move forward on an infrastructure plan, it is imperative that we have someone at the helm who understands the unique challenges of maintaining and updating rural Americas’ roads, bridges, and highways,” said Senator Ernst. “Mr. Trombino has proven both in his time as the Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation, and during his confirmation hearing that he has the necessary expertise to take on this role.

“We also advanced additional nominees, including Bill Wehrum, the EPA’s nominee to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, which oversees the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). I had expressed concerns over his answers as to how he will uphold the spirit and the letter of this law; however, after many discussions, I have received written commitments from Administrator Pruitt that the EPA will support the spirit and the letter of the RFS.”

These nominations now head to the Senate floor.

Watch Senator Ernst’s questioning of Mr. Trombino at his confirmation hearing, here.