Outgoing EPA Chief Reveals Fears Trump Will Halt Climate Action

"There is 'nervousness' among Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff that Donald Trump’s incoming administration will sideline science and reverse action on climate change, according to the agency’s outgoing administrator, Gina McCarthy.

McCarthy told the Guardian that the Trump administration would face resistance from multiple fronts if it ran counter to a widespread shift to renewable energy, as well as scientific opinion, by rejecting climate science and attempting to bolster the fossil fuel industry.

Trump has promised to reduce the EPA to 'tidbits' and has nominated the Oklahoma attorney general, Scott Pruitt, to run the agency. Pruitt has sued the EPA 14 times over its pollution regulations, has questioned established climate science and has been criticized by environment groups for his ties to oil and gas interests."

Oliver Milman reports for the Guardian January 19, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"Scott Pruitt Doesn’t Know the Power of the E.P.A." (New Yorker)

"Scott Pruitt Is Unsure How Much Lead Is Safe For People (The Answer Is None)" (Huffington Post)

"It’s Judges, Not Trump, Who Will Decide Obama’s Environmental Legacy" (The Verge)

"Interview - U.S. EPA Head's Top Regret: Failing To Connect With Rural America" (Reuters)

"Earth to Pruitt: At a Confirmation Hearing, Denialism Stands While Temperatures Rise" (New Yorker)



 

Source: Guardian, 01/20/2017