Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith—a member of the Senate Energy Committee—called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to resign. Over the past several weeks, reports have come to light that raise serious questions about Mr. Pruitt’s ethical judgment during his time as head of the EPA.
“In a tenure mired in scandal, Scott Pruitt has done little to nothing to demonstrate that he has the judgement to serve as EPA Administrator, and I believe it’s time for him to resign.
“Many Minnesotans are disturbed by reports that Mr. Pruitt abused his position as a member of the President’s Cabinet. I share their concerns. From the sweetheart rental deal he received from an energy lobbyist to his reckless, self-serving spending on the taxpayers’ dime, this is what corruption looks like.
“In fact, the head of the federal government’s own watchdog agency—the Office of Government Ethics—has publicly raised questions about Mr. Pruitt’s actions, warning that ‘The American public needs to have confidence that ethics violations, as well as the appearance of ethics violations, are investigated and appropriately addressed.’
“I believe Mr. Pruitt abused the public trust and needs to step down immediately. I also call on the Trump Administration to replace him with somebody who can effectively—and ethically—enforce the laws that protect the air we breathe, water we drink, and lands we share.”
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