Oklahoma AG Pruitt Tapped by Trump to Lead EPA

President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate Scott Pruitt, the Republican attorney general from Oklahoma, to lead EPA.


President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate Scott Pruitt, the Republican attorney general Oklahoma to lead EPA, according to multiple sources, including Reuters and the Associated Press

The choice of Pruitt, known for being a fossil fuel industry defender, was criticized by Democrats. "The head of the EPA cannot be a stenographer for the lobbyists of polluters and Big Oil," House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said of Pruitt, according to Reuters.

Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, brushed off the criticism, praising Pruitt's record and telling reporters at Trump Tower: "We're very accustomed to the naysayers and the critics."

In a e-alert, NPMA reminded members that even though Pruitt may be nominated he must also be confirmed by the Senate before officially stepping into this role. This remains a developing story and NPMA will provide additional updates in the near future.