EPA Administrator nominee, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, questioned by Senate

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January 18, 2017

Scott Pruitt, nominee to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was questioned by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee during a confirmation hearing on January 18. Committee members questioned Pruitt on topics including the role of science, the regulatory role of the EPA, and potential conflicts of interest.

If confirmed, Pruitt believes he will play an important role in carbon dioxide regulation, and promised to uphold a 2009 EPA ruling that identifies carbon dioxide as a hazardous air pollutant. The nominee stated that, if appointed, he will ensure regulatory action is based on current and objective scientific data.

During the hearing, Pruitt stated the EPA’s central role in upholding interstate water and air quality.  Pruitt feels that the EPA has strayed from this role and has overstepped its authority in regulating fossil fuel production. Furthermore, Pruitt stressed the need to clarify EPA procedure and jurisdiction, commenting on the vital role of states in enforcing environmental regulations. He proposed refocusing the EPA towards concrete goals such as superfund site cleanup and air pollution reduction.

As Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Pruitt is well known for his lawsuits against the EPA. He does not expect these lawsuits to affect his unbiased performance as EPA administrator, and if appointed, agrees to follow the advice of the EPA ethics council.

On January 25 Pruitt supplemented his responses with a 242-page document.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee was sharply divided over this nomination. Democrats boycotted the nomination vote, which passed on February 2. 

The Senate confirmed Pruitt's nomination on February 17.

Sources: Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Regulations.gov

Last updated: 3-6-2017