"EPA, Armendariz Blasted at House Hearing"

"At a U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing Wednesday, Congressional Republicans heaped criticism on Al Armendariz, who resigned this spring as head of the Environmental Protection Agency's south-central regional office after controversial comments surfaced about his regulation philosophy."



"'He had a preconceived mind-set [and] viewed himself more as an executioner than as a fair umpire,' said U.S Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, at the hearing, which is still ongoing.

Armendariz, who has apologized for his comments from 2010 comparing enforcement efforts against oil and gas violators to 'crucifixion,' had been scheduled to testify but canceled at the last minute. His appearance was voluntary, according to U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who said the cancellation came late Tuesday afternoon. 'Did EPA interfere with this witness?' Upton speculated."

Kate Galbraith reports for the Texas Tribune June 6, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"Former EPA Official Al Armendariz Bails on  Hearing" (Politico)

Source: Texas Tribune, 06/07/2012