Scott Pruitt’s Mismanagement of the EPA

Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's tenure was marked by outlandish abuses of his office, from installing a secret phone booth to enlisting a fleet of SUVs to ferry him around Washington, as well as a shift towards increasing secrecy — a legacy that continues to hamper the ability of the American public to understand how major environmental policy decisions are made.

Background:

During his time at the EPA, former administrator Scott Pruitt was in the headlines for an increasingly outrageous series of scandals – ranging from his $50 a night lobbyist-owned condo to wasting millions on travel and excessive security. His continuous attempts to skirt ethics rules and use his position to benefit himself ultimately led to his resignation in July 2018. American Oversight had been investigating Pruitt’s questionable management of the agency for more than a year, requesting documents to expose the unethical ways that he ran the EPA. Even with Pruitt’s departure, we will continue asking for the records we are owed under FOIA.

American Oversight obtained records sufficient to evaluate how former Administrator Pruitt conducted agency business as the head of the EPA. Calendars we obtained late last year revealed that he spent his first months in office meeting with industry lobbyists rather than environmental experts or advocates.

The level of secrecy at the EPA has also been unprecedented, and Pruitt took several steps to increase security at the agency and suppress information that the public has a right to know. American Oversight is currently suing the EPA to fight back against the agency’s pattern of wrongly rejecting FOIA requests as not “reasonably described.”

Former Administrator Pruitt took every opportunity he could to use his position to his advantage and keep the public in the dark—including maintaining secret calendars. Even though Pruitt resigned in light of these scandals, our investigation into the EPA have continued.

Updates

In the Documents: New Information on Scott Pruitt’s Fleet of Luxury SUVs

January 3, 2020
Records obtained by American Oversight provide new details about the former EPA administrator's penchant for taxpayer-funded luxury travel — including the existence of a previously unreported extra SUV.

Wait, There’s More: News of Another Administration Official Using Personal Email

December 10, 2018
News reports indicate that Scott Pruitt used personal email for official business. American Oversight continues its investigation of improper administration email use.

EPA Officials Raised Concerns about Formaldehyde… in Scott Pruitt’s Desk

July 19, 2018
New emails uncovered by American Oversight show EPA employees were concerned about the level of formaldehyde in an ornate desk that Pruitt had sought to purchase for his office.

American Oversight Statement on EPA Admission of Interference with FOIA

July 13, 2018
Nonpartisan ethics watchdog American Oversight released the following statement after a newly-published transcript revealed that political appointees at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) routinely interfered with processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

American Oversight Statement on Pruitt Resignation

July 5, 2018
Scott Pruitt embodied the ethical emptiness of the Trump administration, and his departure was long overdue. While Pruitt’s nonstop scandals may have grabbed most of the headlines, the Trump administration’s ethical problems run far deeper and aren’t going away any time soon.

American Oversight to Demand EPA Explanation of Secret Pruitt Calendars

July 3, 2018
American Oversight notified the court on July 5, 2018 that we intend to dispute the adequacy of EPA’s search for former-Administrator Pruitt’s calendars. Government attorneys representing EPA have agreed to American Oversight’s request to include search adequacy as one of the issues to be discussed as part of summary judgment briefing.

Lawsuit Seeks Scott Pruitt and Nino Perrotta Travel and Security Spending Records

April 17, 2018
New lawsuit asks the court to order EPA to release records including waivers authorizing Pruitt and Perrotta to spend taxpayer funds on first class plane tickets, along with any communications between Perrotta and his business partner, Edwin Steinmetz, a private security consultant to whom Perrotta steered a $3,000 federal contract to "sweep" Pruitt's office for listening devices.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s Spending Broke Federal Law

April 16, 2018
American Oversight released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt broke federal spending laws when he spent $43,000 to install a soundproof phone booth in his office.

Pruitt Investigation Update: Lobbyists, Condos, and Secret Phone Booths

April 11, 2018
Scott Pruitt has been in the headlines lately for an increasingly outrageous series of scandals – ranging from his $50 a night lobbyist condo to wasting millions on travel and excessive security. American Oversight has been investigating Pruitt’s questionable management of the agency for more than a year, requesting documents to expose the unethical ways that he has run the EPA.

Update – Pattern and Practice Lawsuit: Fighting EPA’s Incorrect FOIA Denials

April 10, 2018
American Oversight today filed a motion for summary judgment in our case against the EPA over the agency’s practice of wrongly rejecting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. We’re asking the court to order the EPA to stop its pattern of denying FOIA requests it would rather not respond to by claiming the requests aren’t “reasonably described.”

New: EPA Documents Show Details of Pruitt Office Renovations

April 6, 2018
New expense documents uncovered by American Oversight show details of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's office renovations - including detailed invoices for his biometric locks and secret phone booth.

Update: EPA IG Refuses to Investigate Controversial Contract

December 20, 2017
The EPA’s Inspector General has informed American Oversight that it will not be investigating the agency’s awarding of a government contract to a politically-connected consulting firm. American Oversight and the Environmental Working Group had previously called for an IG investigation into the EPA's controversial no-bid contract with Definers Public Affairs.

American Oversight Statement on Carl Icahn Investigation

November 8, 2017
American Oversight released the following statement after reports that Trump administration advisor Carl Icahn had been subpoenaed by the U.S Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York regarding his role in influencing biofuel policy.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s Calendars Show Deep Industry Connections

October 3, 2017
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's calendars from February through May 2017 show extensive meetings with energy and chemical industry executives and lobbyists, and provide a deeper look at how Pruitt has been spending his time at the head of the nation's environmental regulator. 

Investigating EPA’s Attacks on a Journalist

September 7, 2017
On September 3, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personally attacked a reporter from the Associated Press in a press release – citing an article from Breitbart. American Oversight is investigating why the EPA attacked AP reporter Michael Biesecker and whether they colluded with Breitbart to do so.

Statement on EPA IG Investigation of Pruitt Travel

August 28, 2017
At a time in which Administrator Pruitt is slashing EPA offices dedicated to water and air safety, it’s heartening that the Inspector General is taking steps to protect taxpayer money and curb Pruitt’s spendthrift travel.

Call for OSC Investigation of Pruitt Travel to Oklahoma

July 27, 2017
American Oversight today filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) requesting an investigation into a report that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has spent thousands of dollars of taxpayer money on frequent travel to his home state of Oklahoma.

American Oversight Sues EPA to Release Pruitt’s Calendars and Communications with Carl Icahn

June 27, 2017
American Oversight today filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force the release of communications with investor and White House advisor Carl Icahn, along with calendars and phone logs for Administrator Scott Pruitt and other top agency officials.
Show all updates

Related Documents

September 9, 2020

EPA Records Regarding Konkus Grant Decisions and External Communications

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
June 10, 2020

Rejection Response from EPA Regarding Energy Contract Connected to Pruitt’s Landlord

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
June 10, 2020

Rejection Response from EPA Regarding Calendar Meetings with Enbridge Energy

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
June 10, 2020

No Records Response from EPA regarding Pruitt’s Involvement in Alberta Clipper Pipeline Expansion

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
May 12, 2020

No Records Response from EPA Regarding Additional Pruitt and Senior Staff Calendars

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
October 2, 2019

EPA Vehicle Leasing Documents

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
June 25, 2019

EPA Calendars of Senior Political Appointees for 2017 and 2018

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
December 17, 2018

EPA Administrator Pruitt Office Renovation Expenses

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
September 10, 2018

EPA June 2017 Emails Between Top Staffers And Outside Individuals

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
August 6, 2018

EPA Records Related to the Contract with Definers

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
August 6, 2018

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s Calendars

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
July 18, 2018

EPA Documents Concerning Scott Pruitt’s Travel

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
July 6, 2018

Notice: American Oversight v. EPA – Pruitt Calendars

Environmental Protection Agency
Litigation
June 29, 2018

FOIA to EPA Seeking Emails Sent By Select Appointees

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 5, 2018

EPA Records Regarding Definers Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
June 4, 2018

EPA Records Regarding Scott Pruitt’s Need for 24 Hour Security and Threat Assessment

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
May 23, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding the Decision to Ban Reporters from Summit

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
May 2, 2018

EPA Senior Staff Phone Logs Early 2017

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
April 13, 2018

FOIA Seeking Additional Calendars for Dravis, Greenwalt, and Hupp

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 10, 2018

Motion for Summary Judgment American Oversight v. EPA Pattern and Practice

Environmental Protection Agency
Litigation
April 5, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding Scott Pruitt’s 24-Hour Security Detail

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 5, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding Employees Who Were Retaliated Against For Rejecting Pruitt’s Spending Habits

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 5, 2018

FOIA to EPA Seeking Records of Employees Who Were Given Raises or Demoted By Scott Pruitt

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 5, 2018

FOIA Regarding Salary Raises for EPA Employees

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 4, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding Energy Contact Connected with Administrator Pruitt’s Landlord

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 4, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding Scott Pruitt’s Lease Associated with an Energy Lobbyist

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 4, 2018

FOIA Regarding a Client Associated with Scott Pruitt’s Landlord and a Pipeline Expansion

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 4, 2018

FOIA Seeking Communications and Calendar Meetings Between Scott Pruitt’s Office and Those Associated with the Enbridge Energy Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 4, 2018

FOIA Seeking Receipts from Hupp and Perrotta

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 1, 2018

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt 2017 Phone Logs – Redacted

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
March 23, 2018

EPA Records of Government Credit Cards

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
March 19, 2018

FOIA to EPA Seeking Vehicle Procurement Records

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
March 6, 2018

FOIA to EPA Regarding Steinmetz Surveillance Sweep Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
March 6, 2018

FOIA Seeking Waivers and Travel Records of Head of EPA Security Detail

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
February 27, 2018

Records of Definers FOIA Processing

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
February 16, 2018

Complaint: American Oversight v EPA – Pattern and Practice

Environmental Protection Agency
Litigation
January 29, 2018

EPA Senior Official Calendars

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
January 9, 2018

FOIA to EPA Seeking Reimbursement Records

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
January 8, 2018

EPA Records of Communications with Valero Energy

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Record
December 21, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding Bug Sweep Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
December 19, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding Definers Contract Seeking Communications

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
December 19, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding Definers “Media Monitoring” Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
December 19, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding No Bid Contract

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
December 19, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding Definers Contract Seeking Records Related to FOIA Requests Against Oppositional Employees

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
December 19, 2017

FOIA to EPA Regarding Definers Contract and FOIA Requests Against Oppositional Employees

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
October 20, 2017

FOIA to EPA Seeking Additional Pruitt and Senior Staff Calendars

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
September 14, 2017

No Records Response from EPA Regarding Ethics Waivers Provided to Political Appointees

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
August 18, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
August 18, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus Grant Decisions

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
August 18, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus Grant Decisions and Internal Communications

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
August 18, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus Grant Decisions and External Communications

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
August 18, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus Grant Decisions and Personal Emails

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
July 28, 2017

EPA Denial of Request for Emails Pruitt and Staff to Non Gov Accounts

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
July 28, 2017

EPA Rejection of FOIA Request for Emails Between Pruitt and Staff and Congress

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
July 28, 2017

EPA Rejection of Request for Emails Between Pruitt and Staff

Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Reply
June 27, 2017

Complaint: American Oversight v. EPA – Pruitt Calendars and Icahn Communications

Environmental Protection Agency
Litigation
June 26, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Withdrawal from Paris climate agreement

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Telephone Logs Scott Pruitt

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Web Histories Scott Pruitt and Senior Staff

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Email and Telephone Practices Scott Pruitt

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Email Accounts Associated with Scott Pruitt

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Emails Between Pruitt and Staff and Congress

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Emails Pruitt and Staff to Non Gov Accounts

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
June 23, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Emails Between Pruitt and Staff June 1 to June 15 2017

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 5, 2017

FOIA to EPA Seeking Communications Between Senior Officials and Carl Ichan or Valero Energy

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request
April 5, 2017

FOIA Request to EPA Seeking Calendar Entries and Phone Logs for Senior Officials

Environmental Protection Agency
FOIA Request