The New Head of the EPA is a Major Threat to Birds and People
In spite of repeated attacks on the agency he now leads, the Senate confirmed Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator.
WASHINGTON—Today, the Senate voted Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to be our next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In response to this alarming news, the National Audubon Society issued the following statement:
"Scott Pruitt is a dangerous and cynical choice to head the EPA. He's a wholly-owned representative of polluters and Audubon will be vigilant as Pruitt sets out to dismantle the agency he heads," said David Yarnold (@david_yarnold), Audubon’s president and CEO.
“Despite Scott Pruitt’s reckless disregard for the health of America's kids and birds, Audubon knows most Americans support commonsense, science-based solutions and that’s what we’ll keep fighting for."
EPA safeguards have improved the health of birds and people all across the United States. The Bald Eagle, once on the verge of extinction, began its long flight back to recovery after the EPA banned the pesticide DDT. Other species like Peregrine Falcons and Mallard ducks have also benefited from clean water protections.
Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change Report shows that 314 species of birds found in North America are at risk because their habitats are shifting and shrinking due to climate change. Scott Pruitt has repeatedly questioned the extent of human contribution to our changing climate and has sided with major corporate polluters over the people and wildlife of Oklahoma.
Since his nomination in December of last year, Audubon has opposed Pruitt for EPA Administrator, a move rarely taken by the organization. In response, more than 31,000 Audubon members have urged their Senators to reject Scott Pruitt.
To read more about this “well-compensated ventriloquist’s dummy for energy interests” please check out this detailed look at his record.
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.audubon.org and @audubonsociety.
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Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, 212-979-3068.