Senate Confirmation Hearing Held for President’s Nominee for Office of Water
On July 19th, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing to consider the nomination of Ken Kopocis to be EPA’s new Assistant Administrator for Water (replacing Peter Silva). Kopocis is a long time attorney and congressional committee aide who was tapped in June to head EPA’s Office of Water. Ranking Committee Minority Member, James Inhofe (R-OK), acknowledged that he had philosophical differences with Kopocis over the federal government’s powers under the Clean Water Act (i.e., related to interpretation of “Waters of the U.S.”) but praised him for working well with committee Republicans and Democrats to pass a major water resources development bill in 2007. Kopocis’ opening statement can be viewed HERE. His is expected to be confirmed.
