U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt is expected to choose Jeff Holmstead, a former top EPA official and a current lobbyist for the oil industry. Holmstead proudly shills for polluters, testifying before Congress just last year that, “My biggest clients are utilities, refineries, a coal producer, and several oil and gas companies.” Back during the bad old days of President George W. Bush’s EPA, the agency weakened numerous regulations that industry found onerous, lowered funding for pollution monitoring, and decreased the information companies needed to submit on their release of toxic substances. “It’s noteworthy that Trump is evidently selecting an inside-the-Beltway lobbyist,” commented NRDC’s John Walke. “Holmstead’s track record shows he will carry out the president's harmful agendas loyally and efficiently."
Related Content
Dirty Secrets Behind the Campaign to Poison Your Air
Desperate Denial: Utility Pollution Apologists Deny Harms From Air Pollution or Health Benefits From Cleaning It Up
Incredible Quotes by Critics Attacking Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants
Scott Pruitt Wants to Take Us Back to the ’50s
