Even after Attorney General Scott Pruitt became the most questioned EPA nominee ever, Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee raised more questions in their own panel discussion this week in Washington, D.C. And some Oklahomans took part in the event sponsored by Delaware U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, the ranking minority member of the committee.
“I am deeply troubled by Mr. Pruitt’s record on the environment and his views about the role of the EPA,” said Carper. “My concerns start with the direction he has received from the person who nominated him.”
Carper said President trump had repeatedly said he would starve the EPA of funding or eliminate the agency.
“Looking at Scott Pruitt’s record, it seems he is perfectly in line with our new President’s mission to stymie or eliminate the EPA. Unfortunately serious questions remain about the nominee’s record and vision for the agency he seeks to lead.”
“At our hearing, Scott Pruitt did not seem to have the basic scientific knowledge regarding some of our most pressing environmental issues—such as ‘What is a safe level of lead in our drinking water?’ Even common sense ells us that the answer is none.”
Three Oklahomans took part in the panel. One was Casey Camp-Horinek, a Ponca Tribal councilwoman who was described as a long-time Native rights activist and environmentalist. Another was Kelly Foster, Senior Attorney at the Waterkeeper Alliance in Oklahoma. She is also the former Environmental Protection Unit Chief that used to exist in the Attorney General’s office. The third Oklahoman was Jason B. Aamodt, founder of the Indian and Environmental Law Group in Tulsa.