American Rivers Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator
December 7, 2016
Contact Amy Kober, 503-708-1145
Washington, DC – President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raises major concerns for clean drinking water and river health nationwide, American Rivers said today.
President-elect Trump announced he will nominate Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, who worked to overturn the Clean Water Rule and who opposes efforts to fight climate change, to run the agency whose mission is protecting human health and the environment.
Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers, made the following statement:
“This appointment raises serious alarms for all Americans who value rivers and the clean water they provide. As Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Scott Pruitt sued to block the Clean Water Rule, issued by EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which restored federal protection under the Clean Water Act to headwater streams and wetlands. Mr. Pruitt has also sued to block EPA’s Clean Power Plan which would reduce pollution that causes climate change and harms rivers.”
“Every family in the United States deserves clean, safe drinking water flowing from their taps. Rivers provide drinking water for 2/3 of Americans. By filing suit to overturn the Clean Water Rule, Scott Pruitt called into question his commitment to protecting clean water for every American. We hope that Senators will carefully scrutinize Mr. Pruitt’s record on clean water, climate change, and other environmental issues in deciding whether to confirm him to lead EPA.”
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 250,000 members, supporters and volunteers.
Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRiversand Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.