"Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, insisted on staying in luxury hotels that were costlier than allowed by government standards, while also pushing to fly on an airline not on the government’s approved list so he could accrue more frequent flier miles, one of his top former deputies at agency has told congressional investigators."
"The U.S. Senate has confirmed a former astronaut and petroleum geologist as the next director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Senate approved James F. Reilly by a voice vote on Monday to be the director, taking over from William Werkheiser, who has served as acting director since 2017."
"Frustrated by President Trump's continued support for embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Senate Democrats are vowing an all-out floor fight against the man nominated to occupy the No. 2 slot at the agency."
"Five Republican senators on Monday called on President Donald Trump to temporarily halt the use of biofuels policy waivers for small oil refineries, after reports the Environmental Protection Agency had issued a recent wave of such exemptions."
"More than 200 environmental advocacy groups are asking the Senate to reject President Trump's nomination of Mike Pompeo for secretary of State due to his climate views."
"A ruling by a San Diego federal judge allowing construction of President Donald Trump’s border wall to go ahead will be appealed by two entities that opposed it, including the state Attorney General."
"At least a dozen federal agencies today signed an agreement to streamline the environmental permitting process, a White House official confirmed to E&E News."
"Senate Republicans fear they wouldn’t be able to confirm another nominee if Trump’s beleaguered EPA chief is ousted."
"The EPA administrator has said he “didn’t know” about unusual salary bumps given to a pair of trusted aides, but a message from one of those staffers claims otherwise."
"The vote, expected next week, could put Andrew Wheeler one step away from taking over the agency if embattled Administrator Scott Pruitt exits."
