Quick Facts
Biography
Andrew R. Wheeler is a Washington, D.C. based lawyer and principal at Faegre Daniels Consulting. He is co-leader of the company’s energy and natural resources practice and also the firms of counsel. He is a specialist for energy and environmental policy and is advising clients and representing them before Congress and the administration. He is a critic of nationwide limits on greenhouse gas emissions.
Early life and education
Wheeler was born in Hamilton, Ohio. He holds a B.A. in English and Biology of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (1987) and a J.D. from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (1990). In 1998, he also completed an M.B.A. at George Mason University.
Career
Wheeler's first job between 1991 and 1995 was with the Environmental Protection Agency, working on toxic chemical, pollution prevention and right-to-know issues. At EPA, he received the Agency’s Bronze Medal in 1993 and twice in 1994.
Wheeler worked as majority staff director, minority staff director and chief counsel at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Wheeler began his work in Congress as staff member of Senators Jim Inhofe, working on nuclear safety, clean energy technologies and clean water standards. During his time at the Senate, he was named by the National Journal as one of the Top Congressional Staff Leaders in 2005 and was John C. Stennis Congressional Staff Fellow in the 106th Congress.
Wheeler is co-leader of Faegre Baker Daniels' energy and natural resources practice and also counsel to the law firm. Since 2009, he represents the coal producer Murray Energy, privately owned by Bob Murray, a supporter of President Trump.
Wheeler publishes articles in the magazine Law360. In 2010, he questioned the scientific rigor of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, expressing his impression that the positions of the organization were based more on political worldview than scientific facts. He was reported in March 2017 to be President Trump's choice as deputy EPA chief.
Memberships
Wheeler is Chairman Emeritus of the National Energy Resources Organization. He is Vice President of the Washington Coal Club. He also is a member of Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs Technical Review Panel for the Energy Concentration.