WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee members are seeking answers after former Regional Administrator for EPA Region 6 Al Armendariz abruptly canceled his planned appearance at today’s Energy and Power Subcommittee hearing just hours before he was scheduled to testify.
Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) raised key questions about the decision along with his plans to get to the bottom of Armendariz’s no-show during his opening statement at today’s hearing. “Why, several weeks after he had agreed to testify, did he retain counsel and withdraw? The EPA did not make a witness available to appear alongside Dr. Armendariz today. Did the Obama administration urge him not to appear? I have in my hand copies of letters we intend to send today to the EPA and to Dr. Armendariz to ask those questions. Congress and the American people deserve answers about this administration’s policies and practices, and we intend to get them," said Upton.
Chairman Upton, Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY), along with other members of the committee sent letters today to Dr. Armendariz and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson regarding Armendariz’s last minute decision not to testify.
The letters request disclosure of any communication between Armendariz and the EPA or the White House concerning his invitation to testify at today’s hearing.
