EPAs Pruitt Resigns
Scott Pruitt resigned last week as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Supporters applauded his accomplishments in deregulation. Opponents focused on accusations about his abuse of power. Reaction from agriculture was mixed. While some noted his work in rewriting the federal rule that regulates waterways, others cited his actions on the U.S. biofuel mandate.
“It’s no secret corn farmers have been frustrated with Scott Pruitt’s ongoing actions over the past year that have seriously undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),” said Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “We are hopeful Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler will work with America’s corn farmers to give consumers more options at the pump to save them money and reduce emissions and provide farmers with certainty in the marketplace that comes with RFS integrity.”
Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler took over the agency as acting administrator on Monday. Wheeler was confirmed as the EPA’s No. 2 official in April.