Pruitt Advances Under “Cloud of Unanswered Questions” – EDF Action

“Today’s partisan maneuver to advance Scott Pruitt’s nomination makes him the most controversial EPA nominee in history. Never before has an EPA nominee advanced to the full Senate under such a cloud of unanswered questions about his record. Pruitt cannot be trusted to protect public health and run EPA. His confirmation would jeopardize our clean air and clean water and put the health of all Americans at risk.

“Pruitt has a long and troubling history on environmental issues, including repeatedly suing EPA to stop the agency’s most fundamental environmental protections. Pruitt also misrepresented his record during his confirmation hearing, and brushed off Senators’ requests for more complete and transparent answers.

“Because of that, many senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee wanted more time to consider Pruitt’s record. But today, Chairman Barrasso rushed through a vote confirming Pruitt without a single member of the minority party in the room. It was an ill-considered and undemocratic process that led to approval of a wholly unsuitable nominee.

“We encourage all senators not to make the same mistake when Pruitt comes to the floor for a final confirmation vote. We are deeply concerned about the contempt that Pruitt has shown for America’s bedrock clean air and clean water protections. Americans need an EPA Administrator who they can trust to uphold the agency’s core mission of protecting public health and the environment. Mr. Pruitt’s agenda will mean more pollution, more asthma attacks, and a less healthy future for our kids.”