Scott Pruitt: ‘An Ideal Nominee For EPA Administrator’

FELLOW STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL: Pruitt ‘Was A Staunch Defender Of Sound Science And Good Policy As Appropriate Tools To Protect The Environment Of His State’

24 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL: “As the attorneys general of our respective states, we write to express our unqualified support for our colleague and the Attorney General of Oklahoma, E. Scott Pruitt, as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. . . The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency plays a critical role in our nation’s government. Attorney General Pruitt has proven over the course of his career that he has the right character, experience, and knowledge to serve as the Administrator of the EPA. We urge the Senate to confirm his nomination.” (24 State Attorneys General, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/04/2017)

• “As attorneys general, we understand the need to work collaboratively to address threats to our environment that cross state lines, as well as the importance of a federal counterpart in the EPA Administrator who possesses the knowledge, experience, and principles to work with our states to address issues affecting our environment. We believe that no one exemplifies these qualities more than Scott Pruitt.” (24 State Attorneys General, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/04/2017)

• “As the Attorney General of Oklahoma, Mr. Pruitt developed expertise in environmental law and policy. . . Attorney General Pruitt is committed to clean air and clean water, and to faithfully executing the environmental laws written by Congress. He believes that environmental regulations should be driven by state and local governments—a notion endorsed by Congress in the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. When our nation is confronted with issues affecting the environment that are not covered by a particular statute, Scott will come to Congress for a solution, rather than inventing power for his agency. He wholeheartedly believes in a strong Environmental Protection Agency that carries out its proper duties, providing a backstop to state and local regulators as they develop environmental regulations suited to the needs of their own communities.” (24 State Attorneys General, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/04/2017)

FORMER OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE TURPEN (D): “As a lifelong Democrat, I may not agree with all of the President-elect’s policies or nominees, but I do know that Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is a good choice to head up the Environmental Protection Agency. . . Scott Pruitt’s background in constitutional law, combined with a nuanced understanding of how environmental regulations affect the economy, mean that he will be a thoughtful leader of the EPA, and one capable of striking the balance between protecting the environment and our economy. . . (Mike Turpen, Op-Ed, “Pruitt Is a Balanced Selection for EPA Chief,” InsideSources.com, 12/12/2016)

• TURPEN: “As a Democrat, I take seriously the threats to our environment, and I believe we must work to address issues such as pollution, climate change, and ensuring clean air and water... [T]he job of the EPA is the essential mission of guaranteeing clean air and clean water. Scott Pruitt has never compromised those critical components of a healthy population with any actions he has taken... I am convinced Scott Pruitt will work to protect our natural habitats, reserves, and resources. His vision for a proper relationship between protection and prosperity makes him superbly qualified to serve as our next EPA administrator.”  (Mike Turpen, Op-Ed, “Pruitt Is a Balanced Selection for EPA Chief,” InsideSources.com, 12/12/2016)

FORMER ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL DUSTIN McDANIEL (D): “I served as the Democratic Attorney General of the State of Arkansas from 2007-2015. During that time, I served for three years as the Co-Chair of the Democratic Attorneys General Association. I am a member of the Democratic National Committee and was a strong supporter of Secretary’s Clinton’s campaign for President... I believe in the core mission of the Environmental Protection Agency... [General Pruitt] was a staunch defender of sound science and good policy as appropriate tools to protect the environment of his state. I saw firsthand how General Pruitt was able to bridge political divides and manage multiple agency agendas to reach an outcome that was heralded by most public observers as both positive and historic.” (Dustin McDaniel, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/17/2017)

FARMERS & AGRICULTURE LEADERS: ‘Scott Pruitt Is An Ideal Nominee For EPA Administrator’ Who ‘Will … Ensure That Federal Decisions Are Based On Sound Science,’ And Will ‘Bring Common Sense And Sanity Back To What Has Become A Lawless Agency’

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION PRESIDENT ZIPPY DUVALL: “The American Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports the nomination of Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and urges you to vote in favor of his confirmation. Scott Pruitt is an ideal nominee for EPA Administrator for many reasons, but his nomination should command respect from Senators for one reason above all: he has profound respect for the laws written by Congress.” (Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/04/2017)

• DUVALL: “No one cares more about the responsible stewardship of our land, air, and water than American farmers and ranchers. Our livelihoods depend on it. In recent years, farmers and ranchers have suffered under burdensome, unnecessary and, too often, unlawful federal regulations promulgated by the EPA. We desperately need an administrator who understands the challenges our farmers and ranchers face in producing safe, wholesome and affordable food for our nation and the world... Scott Pruitt will put the EPA back on track and ensure that federal decisions are based on sound science, not politics. He will produce a fair regulatory environment that respects the rule of law. We urge his confirmation.” (Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/04/2017)

OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT TOM BUCHANAN: “I have found Pruitt to be a genuine man filled with integrity. He is quick to listen, and slow to speak. He’s a consensus builder that wants to understand the truth and find middle ground... I am confident that Attorney General Pruitt would not only bring common sense and sanity back to what has become a lawless agency, he would restore that agency to its original mission: assisting the states in achieving cleaner air and cleaner water.” (Tom Buchanan, Op-Ed, “Guest View: Pruitt Would Be A Friend To Ag Atop EPA,” The Quad City Times, 12/16/2016)

NORTH DAKOTA FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT DARYL LIES: “NDFB has vigorously opposed President Obama’s activist EPA, and for good reason. In the last eight years, EPA has repeatedly targeted North Dakota’s economic drivers: agriculture and energy. That’s why NDFB supports incoming Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.  We believe he will work to curb the agency’s overreach and end the regulatory nightmare.” (Daryl Lies, “Daryl Lies: North Dakota Farm Bureau Backs Scott Pruitt For EPA Chief,” Say Anything Blog, 1/09/2017)

• “The nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is a welcome reprieve. He will bring a reasoned and balanced approach back to an agency run amok with unnecessary and flawed regulations which have done more to hurt our environment than help it. As attorney general, he helped develop robust regulations at the state level to implement economically viable conservation efforts. He reached across the aisle to pass meaningful regulations to protect Oklahoma waters and has aggressively pursed litigation against polluters. He’s a stalwart defender of the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.” (Daryl Lies, “Daryl Lies: North Dakota Farm Bureau Backs Scott Pruitt For EPA Chief,” Say Anything Blog, 1/09/2017)

FLORIDA COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ADAM PUTNAM: “[A]ppointed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has the experience, understanding of the law and courage to get this out-of-control federal agency back on track... During [a] joint congressional hearing of the House and Senate, I witnessed firsthand Pruitt's balanced approach to regulation, one that conserves our natural resources and protects the environment, while also fostering economic growth and, most important, protecting states' rights. He has a clear understanding where it is appropriate for the EPA to assert a role when it is necessary to protect our natural resources... With Scott Pruitt in charge, we can finally unravel the mess of the EPA, and begin developing and implementing thoughtful policies that will make measurable improvements to our natural resources and unleash an energy revolution that will bring jobs and higher wages to Americans.” (Adam Putnam, Op-Ed, “Adam Putnam: Scott Pruitt Will Unravel Mess At EPA,” Orlando Sentinel, 1/04/2017)

More than 24 Agriculture Associations: “The undersigned agriculture and associated organizations write to urge your support for confirmation of Scott Pruitt to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Pruitt has distinguished himself as a thoughtful attorney dedicated to disciplined adherence to the rule of law. Further, he has a reputation for careful consideration of differing perspectives as preparation for taking measured actions. We respectfully submit that Mr. Pruitt possesses the skills to ensure EPA rules and actions are rooted in law and guided by science.” (Letter to Sen. Barrasso, 1/17/2017)

• Among the signatories: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Seed Trade Association, California Specialty Crops Council, Corn Refiners Association, CropLife America, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Grain and Feed Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Onion Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Turkey Federation, National Sorghum Producers, North American Export Grain Association, North American Meat Institute, Northwest Horticultural Council, United Egg Producers, United Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Apple Association, USA Rice, Western Growers Association

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS: Pruitt ‘Will Seek To Preserve The Environment In A Responsible Manner That Will Not Unduly Sacrifice Our Nation’s Economic Well-Being’

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DIRECTOR J.D. STRONG: “As a fifth generation Oklahoman and someone that has devoted my career to natural resource protection, I take great pride in the progress that has been made in improving Oklahoma’s land, air, water and wildlife resources. For the past six years, General Pruitt has been instrumental in many of our successes and has never asked me to compromise regulatory efforts to benefit industry. On the contrary, all of our projects and cases that involved his office were given staff support at the highest level and, more often than not, resulted in more stringent environmental protections.” (J.D. Strong, Director, Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation, Letter To Sens. Barrasso And Carper, 1/15/2017; Emphasis In Original)

• STRONG: “Please do not confuse Pruitt as being anti-environment because of his well justified (and strongly supported by me) efforts to counter the EPA’s various attempts to second-guess or usurp State authority. Rather, he has been a strong ally in defending our ability to continue the great progress that we’ve made in protecting Oklahoma’s environment at the state level – progress that is too often impeded by Federal overreach and interference.” (J.D. Strong, Director, Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation, Letter To Sens. Barrasso And Carper, 1/15/2017)

• STRONG: “If I were writing [a] headline, it would read, “Pruitt Helps Deliver Water Quality Improvement in Oklahoma’s Scenic Rivers.” At the end of the day, that has been Oklahoma’s goal in the Illinois River watershed for decades, and that is what is happening during General Pruitt’s term as Attorney General. . . Pruitt helped Oklahoma negotiate a new agreement with the State of Arkansas that prompted not just a study of the appropriate phosphorus level necessary to protect our shared scenic rivers . . . but more importantly provided for continued phosphorus controls on wastewater and poultry facilities. For the first time in my career, Oklahoma measured decreasing phosphorus levels and water quality improvement in the Illinois River watershed beginning in 2012. While many people on both sides of the border deserve credit for this result, General Pruitt definitely was a key player.” (J.D. Strong, Director, Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation, Letter To Sens. Barrasso And Carper, 1/15/2017)

KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY CABINET CHARLES G. SNAVELY: “As the Secretary of the Environment and Energy Cabinet for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I am offering support for the appointment of Attorney General of Oklahoma E. Scott Pruitt to the position of Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).” (Charles G. Snavely, Secretary, Environment And Energy Cabinet For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Letter To Sens. Barrasso And Carper, 1/17/2017)

• SNAVELY: “It is our opinion formed from past actions that Attorney General Pruitt will offer a pragmatic, reasonable approach to environmental protection through appropriate regulatory development... Mr. Pruitt’s recognition of the states’ abilities to carry out the obligations of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act is ... a shared understanding... Ultimately, states will carry the overwhelming burden of implementing and enforcing EPA regulations. The expertise of state officials should not be ignored and substituted with the opinions of third party interest groups. As a state Attorney General, Mr. Pruitt recognizes the critical role of state environmental agencies.” (Charles G. Snavely, Secretary, Environment And Energy Cabinet For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Letter To Sens. Barrasso And Carper, 1/17/2017)

FORMER SECRETARY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DONALD R. VAN DER VAART: “Pruitt is committed to clean air and clean water, and to restoring EPA to its original mission of enforcing the environmental laws written by Congress.” (Donald R. Van Der Vaart, Op-Ed, “Scott Pruitt Is The Ideal Nominee To Lead The EPA,” Morning Consult, 12/15/16)

• VAN DER VAART: “Pruitt understands that a balanced approach to regulation that manages our natural resources and protects the environment can also foster economic growth and protect state and local rights. . . Pruitt will restore a thoughtful balance to EPA and will seek to preserve the environment in a responsible manner that will not unduly sacrifice our nation’s economic well-being . . .” (Donald R. Van Der Vaart, Op-Ed, “Scott Pruitt Is The Ideal Nominee To Lead The EPA,” Morning Consult, 12/15/16)

• VAN DER VAART: “As a state attorney general, Pruitt has seen the real-world consequences of the EPA’s unlawful regulations, and North Carolina was proud to join Oklahoma in taking on tough fights on behalf of states who are being overrun by federal overreach. . . Pruitt knows the federal agency has an appropriate role in environmental protection but also understands that state governments have demonstrated the ability to implement environmental protections without destroying the very thing that makes environmental protection possible: a strong economy.” (Donald R. Van Der Vaart, Op-Ed, “Scott Pruitt Is The Ideal Nominee To Lead The EPA,” Morning Consult, 12/15/16)

JOB CREATORS: ‘Scott Pruitt Will Properly Balance The Need For Environmental Protection With Economic Growth And Other Interests’

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: “…as both Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma and as the president’s nominee to head the EPA, Scott Pruitt has demonstrated an appropriate understanding of the proper role of the EPA Administrator and a commitment to leading the agency in a direction that will protect public health and the environment. We encourage a swift vote on his nomination.” (Neil L. Bradley, Senior Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/31/2017)

• US CHAMBER: “The Chamber has long championed the belief that environmental policy can simultaneously be pro-environment, pro-energy, and pro-economic growth. Unfortunately, in the past EPA has pursued a regulatory agenda that has imposed significant economic costs with little environmental benefit.” (Neil L. Bradley, Senior Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Letter to Sens. Barrasso and Carper, 1/31/2017)

Over 70 National And State Manufacturing Organizations: “On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we strongly urge you to support Scott Pruitt, Attorney General of Oklahoma to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We believe Scott Pruitt will properly balance the need for environmental protection with economic growth and other interests. Mr. Pruitt also understands that when regulations go too far and fail to adequately balance environmental protection with technological feasibility and impacts to the economy, they cease to be in the best interest of the public.” (72 Manufacturing Organizations, Email to U.S. Senators, 2/02/2017)

• “Scott Pruitt is the right person to restore reasonableness to our nation’s environmental laws. As the nation’s leading manufacturing associations, we urge a swift confirmation of Mr. Pruitt for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.” (72 Manufacturing Organizations, Email to U.S. Senators, 2/02/2017)

State manufacturing signatories: Alaska Chamber, Alliance of Wyoming Manufacturers, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Manufacturers Council, Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry, Council of Industry of Southeastern New York, Georgia Association of Manufacturers, Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Missouri Association of Manufacturers, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nevada Manufacturers Assn, New Mexico Business Coalition, Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, State Chamber of Oklahoma, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Texas Association of Manufacturers

National manufacturing signatories: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, American Bakers Association, American Chemistry Council, American Coatings Association, American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute, American Forest & Paper Association, American Foundry Society, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, American Home Furnishings Alliance, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Supply Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, Brick Industry Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Council of Industrial Boiler Owners, CropLife America, Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International, The Fertilizer Institute, Flexible Packaging Association, Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), Global Cold Chain Alliance, GPA Midstream Association, INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, International Housewares Association, International Sleep Products Association, Investment Casting Institute, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), Metal Powder Industries Federation, Metal Treating Institute, Metals Service Center Institute, NAHAD - The Association for Hose & Accessories Distribution, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), National Oilseed Processors Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Stripper Well Association, Natural Gas Supply Association, Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica), Next Generation Manufacturing, The Plastics Industry Association, Plastics Pipe Institute, Retail Packaging Association, Portland Cement Association, Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), Treated Wood Council, Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Inc., The Vinyl Institute, Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America