Democratic lawmakers and environmental activists have launched another salvo against Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, calling for him to resign or be fired.
Thirty-nine senators and 131 congressmen, with New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall leading the charge, backed legislation calling for Pruitt to step down. “Pruitt has misused taxpayer dollars” while “dramatically cutting budgets and staff for critically important enforcement, research, and implementation activities,” Udall’s resolution alleges.
Today, I led a group of 39 senators and 131 representatives in calling on @EPAScottPruitt to step down. Our historic resolution sends an unequivocal message to the administration: the American people have lost faith in Pruitt, and it’s time for him to go. #BootPruitt pic.twitter.com/xsDKKC3pwn
— Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) April 18, 2018
Udall introduced his resolution the same day 40 environmental and liberal activist groups bought full page ads in The New York Times, New York Post and The Oklahoman. Trump reads The Times and Post, and The Oklahoman is Pruitt’s hometown paper.
Environmentalists launched their #BootPruitt campaign in late March with media buys on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” — President Donald Trump is known to regularly watch both shows.
When ad buys opposing Pruitt’s nomination are factored in, environmentalists have likely spent as much or on anti-Pruitt ads than the administrator has allegedly wasted on first-class travel, office furniture, security and his official vehicle.
Opponents spent $784,000 on television ads opposing Pruitt’s nomination, according to estimates.
Despite calls from the Left for his resignation, conservatives have defended Pruitt. Pruitt has been instrumental in rolling back Obama-era regulations and policies, Conservative groups say.
“President Trump campaigned on reducing Washington’s bureaucracy, and Administrator Pruitt has been instrumental to that effort,” reads a memo more than 60 conservative leaders signed.
“His leadership has helped President Trump keep his promises in a number of critical areas, which conservatives support,” the memo states.
In Pruitt’s first year, EPA finalized 22 deregulatory actions resulting in up to $1 billion in avoided compliance costs, according to agency figures.
However, Pruitt’s fate rests with Trump, and the president has, so far, heartily supported the embattled administrator in public and social media.
While Security spending was somewhat more than his predecessor, Scott Pruitt has received death threats because of his bold actions at EPA. Record clean Air & Water while saving USA Billions of Dollars. Rent was about market rate, travel expenses OK. Scott is doing a great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018
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