WASHINGTON D.C. (December 7, 2016)— Based on reports by a number of new outlets, President-elect Trump will appoint Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmentalist groups like the World Resources Institute-US (WRI US) are outraged.
Pruitt is widely known to be an ally of the fossil fuel industry. He has actively and aggressively fought against environmental regulations, and was one of a group of attorneys general who filed a 28-state lawsuit against the Obama administration’s rules designed to curb carbon emissions. He has also been critical of rules that protect water and air.
Sam Adams, Director of WRI US, issued a statement questioning the rumored appointment.
“The selection of Attorney General Pruitt, who has consistently questioned climate science and actively fought EPA’s ability to reduce emissions, raises deeply troubling questions,” Adams said. “The critical issue is whether EPA will continue to play its vital role in protecting people’s health and safety in communities across the country.
“The economic benefits of environmental protection are well-established and the U.S. should continue the momentum toward a strong, clean energy future, not turn back to polluting energy sources.”
The EPA’s mission is codified in its name– protection of the environment. What will be at issue if Pruitt actually ends up has head of the EPA is whether Pruitt can properly lead the organization created to protect the environment given his opposition to the rules that are designed to do that very thing.
“Americans depend on EPA to promote human health and protect families and future generations,” Adams said. “Its ability to protect air, water, and the climate for all people must continue.”
