Pruitt Survives First Congressional Hearing Since Taking Over at EPA

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s come away from his first meeting with members of congress since he took office.  While Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wanted to perhaps bloody his nose, it appears Pruitt came away none the worse off as he fielded questions about his controversial handling of the agency.

In the first hour of his testimony, Pruitt had a contentious exchange with Rep. Frank Pallone, (D-N.J.) the ranking member on the committee who questioned him about what he felt were conflicts of interest. Pallone repeatedly complained when Pruitt would not answer “yes” or “no” to his questions.

 

 

Pallone later blasted him in his attempt to eliminate the Clean Power Plan and for the installation of a $250,000 secret phone booth.

“Why all this secrecy?,” asked Pallone. “One has to wonder. Even today after finally agreeing to appear before his authorizing committee after 10 months, Mr. Pruitt is planning to leave after only one hour.”

Pruitt testified for one hour then left to attend a meeting at the White House with President Trump. He returned later in the afternoon for more testimony.

In the first hour, New York Rep. Paul Tonko, another Democrat asked pointed questions about what he felt was a growing influence at the EPA from industries regulated by the agency.

“Rules across the agency are being undone capriciously,” he argued. “I believe the EPA has all the signs of an agency captured by industry.”