Trey Pollard, trey.pollard@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Scott Pruitt will speak at the annual CPAC conference today before an audience of self-proclaimed “fiscal conservatives.” His appearance will come despite the fact that Pruitt’s excuses for spending more than $100,000 in taxpayer funds on his own luxury flights have fallen apart amid mounting criticism from Republicans, Democrats, and aviation and security experts as well as data which undermines him. Politico reported last week that the “security threat” Pruitt’s staff pointed to as justification for the gratuitous waste of tax dollars was someone once shouting that he is “f---ing up the environment.”
If Pruitt is not fired for this abuse of tax dollars, which he is using to hide from criticism over his failure to do his job, the Sierra Club is urging that he at least pay back the exorbitant amounts of taxpayer money he has wasted.
In Reaction, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune Released the Following Statement:
“Given his total disregard for the responsible use of taxpayer money, you would think Pruitt will be booed off the stage by the so-called ‘fiscal conservatives’ at CPAC. Of course, given their celebration of a Trump Administration that is racking up record deficits by cutting taxes for the rich while stomping on the individual rights of American citizens to breathe clean air and drink safe water, he’ll probably be draped with laurels. Meanwhile, in the real world, Scott Pruitt’s outrageous abuse of taxpayer funds to jet first class all over the world has managed to do what seemed impossible--unite Democrats with an increasing number of Republicans in Congress to demand answers and accountability.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.