An environmental group is calling on the U.S. EPA to investigate the use of criminal enforcement officers as bodyguards for Administrator Scott Pruitt.
It was made by the Environmental Integrity Project whose executive director, Eric Schaeffer says the inspector general should begin the investigation.
Schaeffer contends the reassignment of special agents from investigating environmental crimes to help provide security for Pruitt is a “misuse of taxpayer money.”
In February, Pruitt, the former Oklahoma Attorney General requested the round-the-clock security protection, a move that more double doubled the usual six-to-eight person security detail.
Pruitt offered no public explanation about his request for extra security. But in light of demonstrations at his public appearances, it’s likely due to an increase in threats against him.
Schaeffer once was in charge of civil enforcement at the EPA and said former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy also dealt with threats but still relied on the usual security.