Energy & Commerce Democrats request investigation into Pruitt’s possible conflicts of interest

A group of Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter earlier this week to Inspector General Arthur A. Elkins, Jr. of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking an investigation into the policies for protecting the EPA from conflicts of interest.

The request comes in response to comments by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s rejection of scientific evidence that human activity is a significant contributor to global warming as well as reports that Pruitt coordinated closely with the oil and gas industry while serving as attorney general of Oklahoma, and the fact that he has sued the government because of environmental rules in the past.

“It is critical that EPA and all federal agencies maintain effective conflict of interest policies and ethics requirements in order to ensure government operates in an honest and transparent manner,” the letter said. “Your investigation will help us better understand the role your office will play in ensuring strict adherence to such rules and guidelines, and how EPA and its new management will address these concerns.”

Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Bobby Rush (D-IL), Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY), Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Ranking Member Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) signed the letter.