Apr 16 GAO says EPA violated spending law on Scott Pruitt’s privacy booth By Michael Biesecker, Associated Press An internal government watchdog says the Environmental Protection Agency violated federal spending laws when purchasing a $43,000 soundproof privacy booth for Administrator Scott Pruitt to make private phone calls in his office. Continue reading
Apr 13 GOP-led House committee demands interviews with Pruitt aides By Michael Biesecker, Associated Press The Republican-led House oversight committee is demanding interviews with five close aides to embattled Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, including his security chief. Continue reading
Apr 09 At least 5 probes underway into EPA chief Scott Pruitt’s conduct By Michael Biesecker, Associated Press An EPA inspector is now conducting at least five investigative audits related to Pruitt, including a previously undisclosed probe into outsized spending and alleged timesheet abuse by his swollen security detail. Continue reading
Apr 05 Ethics lawyer says he didn’t have all the facts about Pruitt condo By Michael Biesecker and Zeke Miller, Associated Press EPA ethics lawyer Kevin Minoli said that Pruitt was paying fair-market value was based on the assumption that Pruitt occupied only one bedroom for $50 a night. He said he did not consider the value of a second bedroom Pruitt's… Continue reading
Apr 03 Trump tells embattled EPA head: ‘We’ve got your back’ By Jonathan Lemire and Catherine Lucey, Associated Press Two administration officials confirmed that the president called Scott Pruitt on Monday to offer his support. Pruitt has recently come under intense scrutiny for his use of a Capitol Hill condominium linked to a prominent Washington lobbyist. Continue reading
Apr 02 Watch 3:07 EPA is rolling back fuel standards. What do automakers want? By PBS News Hour The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that the previous administration's rules on auto fuel economy go too far. Under the Obama-era standards, gas mileage would have doubled in new vehicles by 2025. Judy Woodruff learns more from Amy Harder of… Continue watching
Apr 02 EPA says Scott Pruitt didn’t violate ethics rules in leasing condo By Michael Biesecker, Associated Press A memo signed by Kevin Minoli contends that Pruitt's $50-a-night rental payments constitute a fair market rate. The memo was dated March 30, the day after ABC News first reported Pruitt lived last year in condo co-owned by the wife… Continue reading
Mar 30 Analysis: Why the EPA’s shift on auto efficiency rules will give China the upper hand By Greg Dotson, The Conversation Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to announce a plan to relax existing tailpipe standards that apply through 2025, which may yield a competitive advantage to other nations. Continue reading
Mar 30 EPA head Scott Pruitt lived in D.C. condo connected to energy lobbyist By Michael Biesecker, Associated Press The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is reported to have lived in a Capitol Hill condominium linked to a prominent Washington lobbyist whose firm represents a roster of fossil fuel companies. Continue reading
Feb 16 EPA chief Pruitt racked up nearly $200,000 in travel expenses over 6 months, environmental group says By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press The EPA has said all the charter flights were necessary and previously approved by ethics lawyers. Continue reading