Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Inspector General’s report regarding the excess travel expenses of former Administrator Scott Pruitt:
“Today’s report by the EPA Office of Inspector General, requested by Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats last year, confirms that Scott Pruitt spared no expense to enrich himself and wasted taxpayer money in the process. While President Trump stood idly by for months, Pruitt reportedly spent nearly $124,000 in excess travel expenses and created an unprecedented culture of corruption at EPA. Pruitt must reimburse the American taxpayers immediately. It is the least he owes the American people after such a shamelessly wasteful and unethical tenure.
“EPA’s disappointing response to the OIG’s report indicating that the Agency will not pursue cost recovery from Pruitt is yet another in a long line of examples of EPA failing to uphold its mission. Pruitt may have long since resigned in disgrace, but it is clear that the Trump EPA continues to lack integrity and transparency. Americans are still paying the price for the Trump Administration’s ongoing assault on human health and the environment - but our Committee will continue holding it accountable."
