Pallone on Pruitt’s Resignation as EPA Administrator

Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt's resignation:

"Scott Pruitt's resignation was long overdue. He repeatedly violated the law, abused his position to enrich himself, and wasted taxpayer money. Showing no shame, Pruitt continually refused to take responsibility for these failures, blaming everybody except himself, including his staff, security detail, and his critics. Pruitt created a culture of corruption at EPA that has never been seen before in a federal agency, and for months President Trump idly stood by and allowed him to do further harm.

"Pruitt's legal and ethical failures have overshadowed the Trump Administration's reckless assault on human health and the environment. The Trump EPA continues to undo critical health protections that safeguard our communities from dangerous chemicals and ensure Americans have safe drinking water and clean air.

"I'm concerned that the Trump Administration's assault on human health and the environment will continue long past Pruitt's departure from EPA."