Newly uncovered documents confirm that Scott Pruitt, former EPA administrator, spent nearly 210 percent more than his predecessor, Gina McCarthy on personal security while traveling. Obtained by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), the documents disclosed that Pruitt spent $891,798 in total travel costs in 14 months.
The documents were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
“Although Mr. Pruitt is no longer in office, we strongly believe that he should still be held responsible for his many misdeeds during his short tenure,” Sylvia Lam, Attorney for the Environmental Integrity Project, said. “Accountability is essential to deterring similar abuses of power in the future.”
According to the press release, “travel expenditures for Mr. Pruitt’s personal security over the seven month period from September 2017 to March 2018 totaled $376,988,” while security detail from February 2017 through August 2017 totaled $514,810.
In an audit conducted by the EPA’s Office of Inspector General, which confirmed the nearly 210 percent increase in comparison to the previous 11 months, “failed to justify why Mr. Pruitt needed such a large security detail, or why he incurred such substantial travel expenses,” a press release stated.
Environmental groups believe the EPA should hold Pruitt accountable for the disproportionate amount spent on security detail. Whether or not Congress will see it through, Representative Elijah E. Cummings, now Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has every intention to “continue these investigations upon resumption of the next Congress.”
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