Pruitt aides’ scrutiny of public records requests slowing releases: report

Aides to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt have reviewed more documents requested under Freedom of Information Act requests than the past administration, slowing the release of information, Politico reported Sunday.

The news outlet reviewed internal emails that showed Pruitt’s political appointees have examined records before they are released to the public. 

The internal communications reportedly show EPA staff questioning when certain documents didn’t receive a review from top staffers before being released.

{mosads}Environmental groups told Politico that the additional layer of reviews from Pruitt’s staff has delayed document releases past legal deadlines in some cases.

The report comes as Pruitt faces intense scrutiny for a series of ethical controversies, most of which were revealed through news reports.

Pruitt has faced questions over his decision to rent a Capitol Hill condo from the wife of an energy lobbyist for $50 each day he stayed there, and his use of more millions in taxpayer funds to cover security and first-class travel expenses.

He also came under fire for constructing a $43,000 soundproof booth in his office, and for raises for two staffers that the White House had previously rejected.

During testimony on Capitol Hill last month, Pruitt said those controversies were largely matters handled by his staff or distractions from his agency’s efforts to carry out President Trump’s agenda.

While dozens of Democrats have called for Pruitt to resign, Trump and some Republicans have defended Pruitt and praised him for cutting regulations.