Pruitt Closely Monitored Scrubbing of EPA Climate Websites, Emails Show

"Documents show Pruitt targeted information about the Clean Power Plan while preparing to rescind it. Environment groups are now calling for him to recuse himself."

"Shortly after arriving at the Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator Scott Pruitt took a personal interest in and closely monitored the removal of extensive information from his agency's website that explained to the public the federal effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Power Plan, according to newly released EPA documents.

The scrubbing of the information from EPA's website on April 28, 2017, preceded by six months Pruitt's formal proposal to rescind the rule, which had been issued by the Obama administration. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) information from the previous administration is in an archived EPA website.

Pruitt was an ardent opponent of the CPP, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, and the newly released memos reflect his enthusiasm for steps that would thwart it."

Neela Banerjee reports for InsideClimate News January 29, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"Pruitt Played Role In Climate Webpages' Disappearance" (Greenwire)

"New Emails Reveal Scott Pruitt Was Personally Involved In Erasing Climate Data From EPA Website" (Think Progress)

"Trump administration focused on EPA website immediately, documents show" (CNN)

"Newly Released Records Refer to Pruitt’s Personal Involvement in Removal of Climate Information from EPA Website" (Environmental Defense Fund)