President Biden has withdrawn the nomination of David Chipman to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Chipman, a 25-year ATF veteran, was attacked by Republicans and the NRA for being a gun control advocate. And two Democrats — West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and Montana’s Jon Tester — would not commit to confirming Chipman, while Maine independent Senator Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, said he would vote against his confirmation. The Newtown Action Alliance responded, “The reason why there has been only one Senate-confirmed ATF director in the last 15 years is because the gun industry profits when gun laws are not enforced. David Chipman should have been confirmed.”

Meanwhile, climate activists blasted Biden’s pick of Willie Phillips to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Phillips has represented oil and gas interests while working in corporate law.