On the recordFebruary 16, 2017
it is an honor and a privilege to be here with my colleague from Delaware. I wish to take a few moments to talk about the nomination of Scott Pruitt to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. I have expressed my fair share of constructive criticism of the EPA over the years. I wish the Agency would work more effectively with States and stakeholders. Collaborative partnerships are the best way to ensure that our environmental policies meet our fundamental responsibility to be good stewards of the environment, while also being narrowly tailored to avoid overburdening Hoosier families and businesses. Teamwork is what will give us the best chance at responding effectively to emergencies like the ones facing my friends in the East Chicago neighborhood of West Calumet. Cooperation with farmers, not overregulation, is how we keep nutrients and inputs in the field and improve water quality. If confirmed, I hope Scott Pruitt will focus on improving the EPA's working relationship with State partners and all stakeholders as the Agency engages in its mission to protect our environment. That is an issue I have been working on for years, and I will continue to do so. I cannot, however, support Scott Pruitt's nomination to lead the EPA.…
Source
govinfo.gov




