EPA pick splits with Trump on climate
Nominee says change is no hoax but leaves room for debate
President- elect WASHINGTON Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that he does not agree with Trump that climate change is a hoax, but he stopped short of saying that human activity is the main culprit or that the United States must reduce its use of fossil fuels.
Scott Pruitt, who has sued the EPA 14 times as Oklahoma attorney general, said he believes climate change is real, despite comments from Trump over the years — including during his presidential campaign — that climate change was a hoax perpetuated by the Chinese to reduce the competitiveness of U. S. manufacturers.
“I do not believe that climate
change is a hoax,” Pruitt said in response to questions from Sen. Ed Markey, DMass., during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
When pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I- Vt., Pruitt would not say human activity is the primary cause of climate change. Most scientists say the burning of oil, gas and coal to generate power is the main factor creating climate change. Oil and natural gas are major industries in Oklahoma.
“Science tells us the climate is changing and human activity in some matter impacts that change,” Pruitt said. “The ability to measure and pursue the degree and the extent of that impact and what to do about it are subject to continuing debate and dialogue.”
When Sanders asked Pruitt whether he believes the United States must transform its energy system away from fossil fuels to protect future generations from climate change, Pruitt said, “I believe the EPA has a very important role in regulating the ( carbon) emissions.”
Pruitt said he believes the EPA has a vital role to play in protecting public health and the environment. During the presidential campaign, Trump called the EPA’s work “a disgrace.”
“I believe there is a very important role for the Environmental Protection Agency,” Pruitt said.
Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware, the senior Democrat on the committee, questioned what kind of environmental steward Pruitt would be when the president- elect has attacked the EPA and talked about wanting to get rid of part of the agency.
Pruitt said the EPA is crucial in enforcing clean air and water laws across state lines.
Democrats challenged his ties to polluting industries, his skepticism about the man- made causes of climate change and the frequent lawsuits he has filed to block the EPA’s clean air and water rules.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, DIll., questioned whether Pruitt was giving senators vague, pleasant answers on controversial issues to get through his confirmation hearing.
She said there was a contrast between Pruitt’s comments as Oklahoma attorney general criticizing the federal renewable fuel standard and his promise during Wednesday’s hearing to carry out that mandate. The renewable fuel standard requires gasoline used by cars and other vehicles to contain a certain amount of renewable fuels.
“Are you that Mr. Pruitt ( who criticized the standard) or the Scott Pruitt today who is saying all the right things at his confirmation hearing?” Duckworth asked.
The agency was created in 1970 by President Richard Nixon to protect human health and the environment.
Pruitt joined a coalition of state attor- neys general to sue the EPA over its Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from coal- fired power plants that contribute to climate change. He sued the agency over regulations to reduce methane emissions — also linked to climate change — from the oil and gas industry.
“Not a single American voted for dirtier air and drinking water, but if Mr. Pruitt takes the helm at the EPA, that’s what millions of Americans and thousands of communities will face,” said Ken Cook, co- founder and president of the Environmental Working Group. “Every senator, regardless of party, should reject this nomination on behalf of their constituents’ health.”
Pruitt’s supporters said he will help rein in an agency that has hurt farmers, ranchers and small businesses and the overall U. S. economy with burdensome and costly regulations.
Nearly 40 livestock associations signed a letter to Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso, R- Wyo., and Carper urging Pruitt’s confirmation.