Oklahoma’s former Attorney General has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the EPA in the face of heated debate, divisive controversy, and questionable loyalty.
This week Senate confirmation hearings approved Scott Pruitt to serve as the chief of the EPA and left many disgruntled Democrats and environmentalists. Pruitt’s confirmation did not pass easily due to stark opposition against his nomination. Environmental supporters and Democrats made many attempts to delay, and possibly deny, Pruitt’s confirmation, but efforts failed when Republican leaders began voting procedures before their attempts could succeed. Voting resulted in a 52-46 confirmation despite the controversial divide. The voting results reflect the split between Republicans and Democrats within the Senate, with the exception of 3 representatives. Two of these representatives were democratic Senators hailing from states actively involved in the coal industry. An interesting choice due to Pruitt’s alleged relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
Pruitt has been under fire for these allegations and the controversial law suits he led in partnership with oil and gas companies. Democrats cited this evidence as reason to reject the EPA nominee, but Pruitt defended his previous actions by claiming that his lawsuits were directed towards maintaining the distinction between federal and state jurisdictions. This defense, however, has not been enough to quiet critics of Pruitt’s loyalties.
Democrats and environmentalists made every effort to prevent Pruitt’s confirmation and, in turn, prevent what they feel will be a major obstacle in combating climate change. In an attempt to delay voting, Democrats attempted to wait for emails from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office that they hoped would expose Pruitt’s relationships and alleged loyalties to fossil fuel companies that would deem him disloyal to EPA objectives.
The new EPA chief has had a history of relationships with fossil fuel companies which leaves people wondering, what this means for the EPA. The information has caused many people to wonder whether Pruitt is concerned with protecting the environment or the fossil fuel industry. Pruitt’s new position places him at the forefront of environmental policy matters that can either hinder or help energy companies.
Accepting Pruitt to lead the EPA has caused many to fear what the future holds for environmental policies that were put forth during the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration has taken a stance in favor of increasing freedom and decreasing regulations on the energy sector. Critics warn that loose legislation will bring greater pollution and potentially prevent the country from maintaining pollution standards that were set under Obama. These sentiments have not stopped President Trump from planning a major overhaul of regulations such as the Clean Power Plan, aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and water pollution.
Like President Trump, Pruitt has developed detailed plans on the changes he will make as EPA chief. Coal plants will be safe under Pruitt’s leadership with relatively unobtrusive environmental protection regulations. This is not the only work that we can look forward to seeing in the coming weeks. President Trump is expected to roll out executive orders with the aim of upholding campaign promises for the energy sector.
