Scott Pruitt's Public Forcing of His Drivers: A Threat to Science-Based Policy-Making

During his tumultuous tenure as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Scott Pruitt consistently demonstrated a disregard for scientific consensus and a willingness to prioritize special interests over environmental protection. One particularly egregious example of this was his public forcing of his drivers to follow a specific agenda on climate change.

Pruitt's actions were not limited to making unsubstantiated claims about the role of humans in driving climate change. He also took steps to discredit scientists who were working to understand and mitigate its effects. For instance, researchers who served on EPA science advisory boards and received agency grants were deemed to have conflicts of interest, while industry-funded researchers were framed as independent. This was a clear attempt to undermine the credibility of scientists and stifle debate.

One of the most troubling aspects of Pruitt's approach was his willingness to manipulate information in order to support his own agenda. Web pages explaining climate science disappeared from the EPA website during his tenure, making it more difficult for the public to access accurate and reliable information on the subject.

The consequences of Pruitt's actions were far-reaching and damaging. Not only did they undermine trust in government and scientific institutions, but they also put the health and well-being of millions of Americans at risk. Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action, yet Pruitt's public forcing of his drivers to follow a specific agenda on the subject hindered our ability to address it effectively.

As Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler takes over, he has an opportunity to correct the course set by Pruitt and prioritize science-based policy-making. The American people expect nothing less than a commitment to transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making from their government agencies. It is imperative that Wheeler recognizes the importance of scientific integrity and takes steps to restore the EPA's reputation as a trusted source of information on environmental issues.

Ultimately, the public forcing of drivers by Scott Pruitt was just one symptom of a larger problem – a culture of disregard for science and a willingness to prioritize special interests over the greater good. As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from these mistakes and work towards creating a more transparent, accountable, and evidence-based government. Only then can we hope to address the pressing issues facing our country and protect the health and well-being of future generations.

Scott pruitt public forcing his drivers