There has been a lot of outcry from ethanol groups and from members of Congress over Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt. There have even been suggestions that Pruitt should resign. The President has been very quiet concerning this outcry, until now.
Audio: World of Agriculture
It has not just been people in agriculture who have been displeased with Scott Pruitt. Currently, there are eleven different investigations into Pruitt?s actions at the EPA. These investigations range from his use of EPA employees to run personal errands, to using his government position to find employment for his wife. There are also concerns over Pruitt?s housing and its connections to a D.C. lobbyist. Many members in the Republican party are calling for investigations or Pruitt?s outright removal.
President Trump, on Friday, said Pruitt has done ?a fantastic job at EPA, but I am not happy about certain things.?
Hearing the President is unhappy with Pruitt is welcomed news for many ag and ethanol groups. However, the President stopped short of any talk of dissatisfaction with Pruitt?s job performance. There was no mention of the concerns over Ethanol, including trying to get year-round E15. Also, President Trump was mum about Pruitt?s granting of small refiner waivers to large refiners, allowing them to circumvent their ethanol blending obligations, endangering the 15-billion-gallon Renewable Volume Obligation.
Whether this is a first step by President Trump to appease the grousers in his own party or if this a move to send Pruitt a warning, remains to be seen. For right now, it is safe to say there has been far too much noise raised over Scott Pruitt to allow the President to remain silent.
