The Senate confirmed Scott Pruitt to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on February 17 by a vote of 52-46, and he was sworn in as the Agency’s 14^th Administrator later that day.  NACWA forwarded a letter to Pruitt today welcoming him to his new position and requesting a meeting with him to discuss a number of the Association’s top clean water advocacy priorities.

Pruitt, the former attorney general of Oklahoma, is expected to spend the next few weeks being briefed by Agency staff on current EPA initiatives.  However, executive actions impacting the Agency’s Clean Power Plan and Clean Water Rule (also known as the “Waters of the US” rule) are anticipated very soon.  With Pruitt now confirmed to EPA’s top position, the Trump Administration is also expected to begin announcing nominees for other senior EPA positions – including Assistant Administrator for Water – in the near future. 

NACWA’s letter to Pruitt highlights the critical work that NACWA members do every day and outlines key areas where NACWA looks forward to working with the new Administrator, including increased clean water infrastructure investment and improved regulatory flexibility.  The letter also requests a meeting with Pruitt and NACWA utility member leadership as soon as possible. We will keep the membership updated on developments.