US EPA chief Scott Pruitt resigns amid a long list of ethics scandals
Democrats and environmental advocacy groups cheered the departure of Pruitt, a close ally of the fossil-fuel industry
Washington — US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Scott Pruitt, who had been lauded by President Donald Trump for his aggressive efforts to roll back environmental regulations, resigned on Thursday under heavy fire for a series of ethics-related controversies. Pruitt was one of Trump’s most polarising cabinet members, slashing regulations on the energy and manufacturing industries, including a move to repeal former president Barack Obama’s signature programme to cut carbon emissions from power plants, dubbed the Clean Power Plan. He was also instrumental, last year, in lobbying Trump to withdraw the US from the global 2015 Paris climate accord to combat global warming. However, Pruitt lost favour with Trump’s inner circle after a string of controversies including first-class travel at taxpayer expense, lavish spending on security, the installation of a $43,000 soundproof phone booth in his office, and accusations that he used his position to receive favours, such as a disco...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.