Senator Ernst Pushes EPA Nominees to “Keep their Word”

WASHINGTON – During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing today, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) said that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has made “questionable decisions” and continues to renege on his commitment to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 

In light of the fact that “EPA has also been under intense scrutiny due to some of the questionable decisions that have been made at the Agency,” Senator Ernst pushed for a commitment from the two EPA nominees appearing before the committee to uphold commitments they make to Congress, both during their confirmation hearings, as well as in subsequent communications with elected officials.  

“Unfortunately, there have been instances where I’ve been made promises by the EPA, even in writing, only to have them reneged upon.  I’m told one thing, and then find out in a press report that the EPA is doing exactly what they told me they wouldn’t do,” said Senator Ernst. 

Pruitt had previously stated that he would not consider attaching Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to exported ethanol, only to later express a willingness to pursue the idea if packaged with a rule allowing the year-round sale of E15.

During the hearing, Senator Ernst stressed that she values integrity and secured commitments from EPA nominees William Charles McIntosh and Peter C. Wright to cooperate with Congress, uphold ethical standards, and understand the courses of action they can take if they witness impropriety at the Agency.

“Excessive and unnecessary spending, unacceptable uses of agency resources, the list goes on and on. It is important to understand what the courses of action are if you do witness additional impropriety,” said Senator Ernst.

Watch Senator Ernst’s questioning of the nominees here or by clicking on the image below.