A Senate committee has cleared President Bush’s choices to lead the Federal Highway Administration and fill the top Environmental Protection Agency clean air post. But the nominees’ path to confirmation isn’t clear yet.

The Environment and Public Works Committee on April 26 approved J. Richard Capka to be FHWA administrator and William Wehrum to head EPA’s office of air and radiation. Capka, formerMassachusetts Turnpike Authority CEO and now acting FHWA chief, was approved by voice vote, but with Democratic leader Max Baucus (Mont.) opposed. Wehrum won approval, but on a tight 10-8 vote.

Capka still faces a “hold” from John Kerry (D-Mass.), who has criticized Capka’s role overseeing Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel project. Kerry will meet with Capka, a spokesperson says.