Senate Confirms David Fotouhi as Deputy Administrator of EPA

The Senate's confirmation signals a continued focus on regulatory reform, environmental progress, and energy dominance.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Jun 10, 2025

The U.S. Senate has confirmed environmental attorney David Fotouhi to serve as Deputy Administrator of the EPA, the agency announced this week. The confirmation marks Fotouhi’s return to the EPA following prior senior legal roles during President Donald J. Trump’s first term.

Appointed by President Trump and confirmed on June 10, Fotouhi will serve under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to help lead the agency's regulatory and policy initiatives, including Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” agenda. As Deputy Administrator, Fotouhi will oversee the agency’s day-to-day operations, including coordination across EPA's national programs, regional offices, and legal, enforcement, and budget teams.

“I am honored and humbled to rejoin EPA,” said Fotouhi. “I pledge to work every day to advance President Trump’s and Administrator Zeldin’s ambitious agenda to protect our nation’s air, land, and water resources and to unleash our nation’s economic growth engine.”

Fotouhi previously served as EPA Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel during the Trump administration. Most recently, he was a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, practicing environmental law. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and Harvard Law School, and previously clerked for Judge Raymond Gruender on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Zeldin praised the appointment, stating, “His experience and knowledge of the agency are vital to help advance our core mission of protecting human health and the environment.”

Fotouhi’s confirmation was welcomed by several lawmakers and industry organizations. Supporters, including Sens. James Lankford (R-OK) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), described Fotouhi as a “common-sense” leader with deep legal expertise in environmental policy. Industry groups such as the American Exploration & Production Council, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association voiced confidence in his ability to shape EPA policy while supporting economic growth and regulatory clarity.

As Deputy Administrator, Fotouhi will help steer federal efforts on key environmental issues affecting energy, air quality, water regulation, and emerging contaminants. His confirmation signals continuity with the Trump administration’s priorities on streamlining environmental regulation and reinforcing domestic energy development.