Top Dems question trip to Colo. by agency chief

WASHINGTON » Top-ranking congressional Democrats are calling on a federal watchdog to review whether Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt broke the law by making a video for a private group opposing an Obamaera clean-water rule.

Pruitt flew to Colorado for an August event organized by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, an industry trade association representing cattle producers. While at the ranch, Pruitt recorded a video urging the group’s members to file comments supporting the repeal of EPA’s Waters of the United States rule.

The 2015 rule seeks to expand the agency’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to include smaller streams and wetlands.

In a letter sent last week, the top Democrats on four committees with oversight of EPA asked the head of the Government Accountability Office to issue a formal legal ruling on whether Pruitt’s participation in the video violated federal rules.

They cited long-standing prohibitions against federal officials using taxpayer funds “for publicity or propaganda purposes, and for the preparation, distribution or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television, or film presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress.”

EPA did not respond to messages seeking comment about the letter or provide the total cost to taxpayers for his trip.

The Associated Press and other media outlets have previously reported about Pruitt’s frequent westward travel, which often occurs on Thursdays and Fridays to allow the EPA chief to spend weekends at his home in Oklahoma.

Records show Pruitt typically travels with at least two aides and members of his full-time security detail.

EPA’s inspector general is currently reviewing the “frequency, cost, and extent” of Pruitt’s trips to determine whether they adhere to federal travel policies.

Pruitt also came under scrutiny for other Colorado travels when it surfaced last month that he took a private plane from Denver to Durango and back in August during a trip to meet with Colorado’s top politicians at the Gold King Mine.

Pruitt took the chartered flight — which was cleared by the EPA’s ethics counsel — to avoid missing the meeting after his initial flight was delayed significantly, the EPA says. Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office had offered him a ride on the state’s plane.

Denver Post staff writer Jesse Paul contributed to this report.