Environmental Groups, OK Leaders, React Differently To Pruitt’s EPA Nod

<p>Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt was tapped to head the EPA for President-elect Trump. His supporters are praising the decision, but others worry what the AG might to do the agency.</p>

Wednesday, December 7th 2016, 10:45 pm

By: News On 6

Environmental Groups, OK Leaders, React Differently To Pruitt’s EPA Nod

Donald Trump's campaign manager says he's picking an Oklahoman to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt joins the list of nominees for the incoming administration.

As Attorney General, Pruitt joined with several other states in suing the same agency he's been tapped to lead.

His supporters here in Tulsa are praising Trump's decision, but others worry what the AG might to do the agency.

Pruitt has devoted part of his career as AG to fighting the EPA.

Tulsa Regional Chamber President Mike Neal calls Pruitt a friend and someone who fights for state's rights.

"He's been extremely aggressive in trying to attempt to provide a level playing field, a balanced field and a balanced approach, more of a level approach," he said.

But environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council groups don't share that opinion.

"We're worried that if Mr. Pruitt is confirmed, we're going to need someone to protect the agency from him. We're worried that he's not being sent there to lead the agency, but he's being sent there to cripple it," said Bob Deans with the NRDC.

The group says Pruitt has a track record of fighting the EPA's clean water and air regulations.

Deans said, "We need responsible public oversight to keep pace with our changing economy, and we certainly don't want to go back to days when industrial pollution was a threat to our families, communities, ranches and farms in Oklahoma or anywhere else in this country."

Pruitt's supporters say the AG is ready for a bigger opportunity in public service.

"So, I think this is the next logical perfect step for him to provide service to our country," Neal said.

Trump's nomination will need approval of the Senate; he's already received the backing from Oklahoma senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford.

Several Oklahomans have met with Trump, but Pruitt is the first to get an appointment.