Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced she would vote “no” on the confirmation of EPA administrator-designate Scott Pruitt.
Collins told Maine Public Radio on Wednesday that while Pruitt, currently Oklahoma’s attorney general, was “an accomplished attorney,” she had concerns about his record of suing the agency he has been tapped to lead.
“Specifically, I have significant concerns that Mr. Pruitt has actively opposed and sued the EPA on numerous issues that are of great importance to the state of Maine, including mercury controls for coal-fired power plants and efforts to reduce cross-state air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. “His actions leave me with considerable doubts about whether his vision for the EPA is consistent with the agency’s critical mission to protect human health and the environment.”
Collins currently appears to be the only Republican planning to vote against Pruitt. Both of the Senate’s independents, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Angus King (I-ME), will vote against his confirmation, as will nearly all Senate Democrats.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has spoken positively about Pruitt, saying in January that Pruitt “has the right experience for the position.”
That’s one in the switch column.
“Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has spoken positively about Pruitt, saying in January that Pruitt “has the right experience for the position.””
I fucking LOATHE that coal-whore bitch. So fucking infuriating.
And almost more infuriating: who the fuck did he say that to and why wasn’t he asked “and, in your opinion, what experience is that?” as a follow up question? FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL
we need to get on the activism train, people–starting with this sell out piece of shit…
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I guess Senator Collins didn’t get the memo. The fact that Pruitt has sued the EPA multiple times is regarded by Republicans as one of his selling points.
They’re not real fond of the agency, and they’ve long ago forgotten that they once created it.
Yeah, but isn’t she up in 2018? She’s going to be a consistent waffler until then and one of our best bets at flipping votes with strong pressure tactics.