Polluters Purchase Another Win From Pruitt, This Time Handicapping Medical Science that Saves Lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Scandal ridden EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced today that he is ordering staff to limit their use of scientific studies to those where the underlying data is publicly available, disqualifying the use of long-standing, landmark studies linking air pollution and pesticide exposure to harmful health impacts. These studies had long protected the confidential health information findings were based on which protected patients and scientists.

This announcement has long been on polluters’ wishlists since medical science, which generally guarantees the anonymity of patients participating in studies, has repeatedly proven that smog, particulate matter, and heavy metals - all hallmarks of the fossil fuel and chemical industries - can cause death and severe health complications. Pruitt, who has also repeatedly been granted favors and career advancement through his relationship with polluting industries, is seeking to hide medical science from the public which would ordinarily force EPA to develop and enforce new protections against harmful pollution.

In response, Liz Perera, Sierra Club’s Climate Policy Director, released the following statement:

“For decades, our clean air and water have been safeguarded, lives have been extended, and children have been protected because of advances made by science. But now, Scott Pruitt is trying to restrict its use because it continues to prove the threats posed by his polluter patrons.  

“This is just another example of Pruitt siding with polluters over doctors, public health advocates, and parents groups. Thousands of people will suffer from Pruitt’s decision today, but tragically, the only thing Pruitt seems to care about is the next favor polluting industries can do for him…  and vice versa.”