Speak out against Pruitt as EPA chief

Do you value clean air and clean water? Then please speak out against EPA nominee Scott Pruitt.

On Jan. 26, Pruitt submitted written answers to the Senate committee considering his nomination.

Here are just a few of his more disturbing points

• Pruitt refused to name a single Clean Air Act safeguard that he supports.

• Pruitt would not agree that every American should have a right to clean air, pure water and healthy food.

• He would not promise to support existing EPA safeguards on mercury pollution and air toxics from power plant smokestacks.

• He described a very limited role for the EPA, backing away from its historical and successful role of protecting public health and the environment.

In addition, when Pruitt sued the EPA numerous times to block clean air and water safeguards, he attempted to cast doubt on whether toxic mercury harms our health. Of course, this makes sense as he has taken money from companies that will benefit from looser pollution rules.

Pruitt's answers and past actions demonstrate how he would act as EPA administrator. If he's confirmed, no senator who supported his nomination will have the right to act surprised at the damage he does.

Speak up now or you'll be covering your mouth with a mask - like those in China unable to breath in their polluted cities.

Susan Pribyl

Ingleside