This database was last updated in October 2019 and should only be used as a historical snapshot. There may be new information that is not included here.
EPA: Former Lobbyists
Do you know something about one of the political appointees at Environmental Protection Agency or about the work they’re doing? Send us an email at [email protected] or send a Signal message to 347-244-2134.
Erik Baptist
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: June 18, 2017)
Senior Deputy General Counsel | $179,700 | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Catholic Information Center:
Erik Baptist serves as Senior Counsel at the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he provides legal advice to the Institute and its members on federal and state legislative, regulatory, and litigation matters affecting the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining API in 2011, Erik worked as an associate in the trial department of an international law firm and as an attorney with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Office of Enforcement, Division of Investigations. Originally from Illinois, Erik graduated from the George Washington University Law School and received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University, double‐majoring in Sociology and American Studies. He has remained active with his alma mater by serving on the Board of Directors of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association and attending many of the school’s football games in the fall.
Former Positions Outside Government
- American Petroleum Institute Senior Counsel
- The George Washington University Law School Alumni Association Member, Board of Directors
Former Compensation Sources
- American Petroleum Institute Provided legal counsel to API
Lobbied for
Douglas Benevento
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Oct. 15, 2017)
Regional Administrator — Region 8, Denver, Colorado | $179,700 | Financial Disclosure »
Former Positions Outside Government
- Xcel Energy Director
Former Compensation Sources
- Xcel Energy Corporate policy development.
Lobbied for
- Colorado Interstate Gas, Natural gas pipeline
Susan Bodine
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Aug. 13, 2017)
Senior Advisor to the Administrator | $155,500 | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works:
From 2015-2017, Bodine served as chief counsel at the EPW Committee. From 2009-2015, Bodine was a partner at Barnes and Thornburg. During the last three years of the Bush administration, she served as the assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Prior to that, Bodine was staff director of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Former Positions Outside Government
- Barnes & Thornburg Partner
Former Compensation Sources
- Barnes & Thornburg Partner at this law firm.
Lobbied for
- American Forest & Paper Association
- Saint Gobain Containers, Inc., Glass Container Manufacturer
Byron R. Brown departed Aug. 9, 2018
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: March 5, 2017)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy | AD-00 | Financial Disclosure »
Byron Brown was senior counsel for the Senate’s Environment and Public Works, when it was chaired by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), and prior to that was an attorney at EPA. His wife is a top lobbyist for Hess Corporation, an oil and gas company. — ProPublica
Bio, via U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works:
Brown comes from the House Committee on Natural Resources where he served as counsel and oversight director since 2011. Prior, Brown worked in the Office of General Counsel at the EPA from 2001-2011, serving as an associate deputy general counsel and assistant general counsel.
Patrick J. Davis
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Jan. 21, 2017)
Senior Advisor | $161,900 | Financial Disclosure »
Former Positions Outside Government
- Patrick Davis Consulting, LLC President (In January 2017, filer placed Patrick Davis Consulting, LLC in inactive status and is not soliciting any new clients.)
- Telephone Town Hall Meeting Sales Director
Former Compensation Sources
- Patrick Davis Consulting, LLC President
- Telephone Town Hall Meeting Sales Director
David Dunlap
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Sept. 30, 2018)
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science Policy | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Chemical Watch:
See Link, Long bio
Former Positions Outside Government
- Koch Industries, Inc. Director, Environmenal Regulatory Affairs
Former Compensation Sources
- Koch Industries, Inc. Engineer, Environmental regulations & policy
Lobbied for
Katherine English
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: March 11, 2019)
Attorney-Adviser (General) | $164,200
Nicholas Falvo
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: July 16, 2017)
Special Assistant to the Senior Advisor | $85,035 | Financial Disclosure »
Former Positions Outside Government
- 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee Assistant Director
- Akerman, LLP Legislative Counsel
- Career Education Colleges and Universities Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs (Organization now located in Arlington, VA)
- Lincoln Strategy Group Regional Field Manager
Former Compensation Sources
- 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee Assistant Deputy Director of Transportation for Public Events
- Akerman, LLP Legislative Counsel
- American Association of Cosmetology Schools provided legal counseling services
- Career Education Colleges and Universities Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. (CECU is now located in Arlington, VA)
- Chabot Space and Science Center provided legal counseling services
- Consortium of Regional Climate Centers provided legal counseling services
- Lincoln Strategies Regional Field Manager
- Miami-Dade County provided legal counseling services
- Nye County Nevada provided legal counseling services
- Peralta Community College District provided legal counseling services
Amanda Gunasekara departed Feb. 7, 2019
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: March 19, 2017)
Senior Policy Advisor to the Administrator on Air and Radiation | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy:
Mandy Gunasekara joined the Environmental Protection Agency in March and serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. Previously, Mandy served as Majority Counsel for Chairman Inhofe during the 114th Congress and for Chairman Barrasso during the 115th Congress on the United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She led committee actions and policy development on Clean Air Act and climate change issues. From 2012 to 2014, Mandy worked as Senior Legislative Counsel for Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio-05) where she developed the Congressman’s legislative agenda on issues related to energy, environment, agriculture, immigration, labor, manufacturing and trade. She also led his committee agenda for the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. Prior to joining Congressman Latta’s office, Mandy worked for Ranking Member Mike Enzi on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. While there, she worked on labor, employment and disability issues. In addition, Mandy spent two summers as a law clerk for the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Office of General Counsel. A native Mississippian, Mandy earned a J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a B.A. from Mississippi College. She, her husband Surya and 2 children reside in Washington, D.C.
Former Positions Outside Government
- National Association of Chemical Distributors Senior Director of Federal Affairs
Former Compensation Sources
- National Association of Chemical Distributors Senior Director for Federal Affairs
Lobbied for
Jonathan Hackett
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: March 31, 2019)
Renewable Fuels Advisor | $158,661
Lobbied for
Troy Lyons
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: April 2, 2017)
Associate Administrator for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations | $163,170 | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Randolf-Macon College:
As a federal lobbyist for BP Worldwide (formerly British Petroleum), Lyons is responsible for interacting with Congressional stakeholders on issues related to BP’s business priorities. But his interest in politics goes all the way back to his childhood when he was listening to the radio waiting for the Orioles to play…According to Lyons, the political science major went to work with U.S. Senator George Allen (R-VA) right after graduating from Randolph-Macon. That was followed by an appointment from President George W. Bush to serve in his administration at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Lyons also served as the energy policy advisor for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) for nearly three years.
Former Positions Outside Government
- BP America Director, Communication s & External Affairs
- Hess Corporation Manger, Federal Government Affairs
Former Compensation Sources
- BP America Director, Communications and External Affairs
- Hess Corporation Manager, Government Affairs and HessPAC
Lobbied for
Melissa Mejias
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Feb. 11, 2019)
Special Assistant | $103,435
Lobbied for
- International Association of Drilling Contractors, IADC is a trade association for the upstream oil and gas industry.
Christian Rodrick
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: July 9, 2017)
Special Assistant to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations | $62,303 | Financial Disclosure »
Former Positions Outside Government
- Competitive Enterprise Institute Intern
- Innovative Federal Strategies Legislative Associate
- The Office of Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker Administrative Intern (This was an unpaid internship.)
- University of Massachusetts Annual Fund Student Ambassador
Former Compensation Sources
- Innovative Federal Strategies Legislative Associate
Lobbied for
- CITY OF HIGHLAND, CA
- CITY OF MURRIETA, CA
- CITY OF REDLANDS, CA, Local Municipal Government
- CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS
- City of Banning, CA
- City of San Bernardino, CA
- Hi-Desert Water District
- Inland Empire Utilities Agency
- Inland Valley Development Agency
- Mojave Water Agency
- San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
- Valley Sanitary District
Jeffrey Sands departed March 4, 2018
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Oct. 29, 2017)
Senior Agricultural Advisor | $161,900 | Financial Disclosure »
George Y. Sugiyama departed Sept. 17, 2017
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Jan. 21, 2017)
Senior Advisor | $161,900 | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Troutman Sanders LLP:
Washington of counsel George Sugiyama was mentioned in a March 22 Lawdragon article for joining Troutman Sanders’ Environmental and Natural Resources practice group. Prior to joining the firm, Sugiyama was the chief minority counsel for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where he provided legal and policy advice on administrative law issues and focused on EPA oversight issues.
Lobbied for
- National Mining Association, Mining industry trade assocation
- THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
William L. Wehrum
Environmental Protection Agency (joined: Nov. 9, 2017)
Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Environmental Protection Agency:
Bill most recently worked as a partner and head of the Administrative Law Group at Hunton & Williams LLP, where his practice focused on air quality issues.
Former Positions Outside Government
- Hunton & Williams LLP partner
Former Compensation Sources
- American Forest & Paper Ass'n Legal Services
- American Fuel & Petrochemical Mfrs. Legal Services
- American Petroleum Institute Legal Services
- B10 Litigation Coalition Legal Services
- Brick Industry Ass'n Legal Services
- Diageo Legal Services
- Evonik Corp. Legal Services
- Gas Processor Ass'n Legal Services
- Hunton & Williams LLP I am an equity partner in the firm.
- Kinder Morgan Inc. Legal Services
- Koch Industries Legal Services
- Lowe's Companies Inc. Legal Services
- National Stone, Sand and Gravel Ass'n Legal Services
- Pfizer Inc. Legal Services
- Salt River Project Legal Services
- Spectra Energy Corp. Legal Services
- Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Legal Services
- Tile Council of North America Legal Services
- Utility Air Regulatory Group Legal Services
- Whitaker Greer Co. Legal Services
Andrew Wheeler
Environmental Protection Agency
Acting Administrator | Deputy Administrator | Financial Disclosure »
Bio, via Faegre Baker Daniels LLP:
Andrew came to FaegreBD Consulting from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where he served as majority staff director, minority staff director and chief counsel. In those roles, he worked on every major piece of environmental and energy-related legislation before Congress for over a decade, including greenhouse gas emissions legislation, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Clear Skies Act and the Clean Air Interstate Rule. Andrew also has widespread knowledge of and experience with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Energy, Transportation and Interior, where he has affected meaningful changes in energy and environmental regulations. Work on the 1998 and 2005 Highway Bill reauthorizations has given Andrew an unparalleled expertise on transportation funding. Combined with his focus on the Diesel Emissions Reduction SEP Bill and the energy bills' Renewable Fuel Standards, Andrew has emerged an unrivaled expert on transportation matters. On the regulatory side Andrew has worked on all major fuel related issues including Refinery MACT, Gasoline sulfur, and the NSPS program. Prior to his work at the full Senate EPW Committee, Andrew served in a similar capacity for the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, Wetlands and Nuclear Safety, under the subcommittee chairmanships of both Senators James Inhofe and George Voinovich, shaping key nuclear safety, clean energy technologies and clean water standards. He started his career at the Environmental Protection Agency, working on toxic chemical, pollution prevention and right-to-know issues. In addition to his previous role serving Congress, Andrew has been a keynote speaker before the American Bar Association and various trade associations, creating an impressive legal and business network that he leverages to help clients achieve their public policy goals.
Former Positions Outside Government
- Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Principal
- Family Living Trust Trustee
Former Compensation Sources
- Archer Daniels Midland strategic advice and counseling
- Bears Head LNG Corp Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company
- Energy Fuels Resources Inc Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company.
- Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Served as a consultant and attorney employed directly by the firm.
- General Mills strategic advice and counseling
- Growth Energy strategic advice and counseling
- Insurance Auto Auctions Inc Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company
- International Paper strategic advice and counseling
- Murray Energy Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company
- Sargento Food Inc Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company
- Underwriters Laboratories Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company.
- Xcel Energy Registered lobbyist on behalf of the company
Lobbied for
- Bear Head LNG Corporation
- Celanese Corporation
- Coalition for Domestic Medical Isotope Supply
- Darling International Inc.
- Domestic Fuel Solutions Group
- Energy Fuels Resources Inc.
- Enterprises Swanco LLC, Agriculture
- ICOR International, Manufacture & Supply of Refrigerants
- Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc.
- KAR Holdings
- Murray Energy
- NUCLEAR ENERGY INSTITUTE, TRADE ASSOCIATION PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
- Sargento Foods Inc.
- South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
- UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Xcel Energy