Recently, Scott Pruitt was sworn in as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. This has increased the concern of many environmental professionals as he has shown little environmental concern in the past. A professor in the school of forest resources and environmental science, David Flaspohler said, “His nomination is very concerning. He has a history of making statements and taking actions that have weakened the ability of the agency he is now in charge of to do its job, which is to protect the air, water and land in our country for the health of our citizens.” The purpose of the EPA is to ensure that American citizens are protected from environmental and health risks.
This involves enforcing human health and environmental safety laws as well as reducing environmental risk based on scientific research. Richelle Winkler, professor of sociology and demography, said, “I believe that it is crucial for the United States to have a strong EPA that promotes our common interests as a people in protecting environmental systems. Without such checks in place, our economic system incentivizes shortcuts that have proven detrimental to both human health and to natural ecosystems.” There was strong opposition to Pruitt’s appointment as he has been a climate change skeptic in the past. He has had no training or experience in environmental science.
Winkler was one of over 430 professional environmental sociologists that signed a public statement voicing concern over Pruitt’s nomination. Winkler said, “I am alarmed and frustrated by Scott Pruitt’s appointment because of his clear record of trying to impede environmental protections, his close connections to major oil and gas producers and electric utilities that have a clear interest in rolling back protections, and because of his lack of interest in dealing with, or even denial of, climate change.”
Pruitt’s history with oil and coal companies has many people concerned with his ability to lead the EPA. He has told the public that he would take a strong stance and not allow these companies to influence his decision making. Applied ecology major Neva Bentley is concerned that “he will be easily influenced by oil companies, and will work to fight essential regulations such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts,” which is what he has done in the past. Pruitt has previously argued that many regulations are too expensive and should be removed.
Many, including Bentley, are concerned that his lack of environmental training and experience may cause him to overlook long-term benefits of some expensive environmental regulations. Despite many people protesting this appointment, Scott Pruitt has been sworn in as the head of the EPA. There is now little that can be done but to watch what happens next. Pruitt will stand up to the oil and coal industry and lead the EPA in its mission to protect the health and environment of American citizens, or the concerns of many will be recognized.
