WASHINGTON -  Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today after President-elect Donald J. Trump announced Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt will lead the Environmental Protection Agency.    

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “I am pleased to hear that President-elect Donald J. Trump has tapped Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.  Mr. Pruitt has been a leading proponent for inviting local governments, stakeholders and industry leaders to have a seat at the table to help decide what measures and rules work best for them.  This past May, Mr. Pruitt testified before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the impact of President Obama’s so-called Clean Power Plan on states.  Mr. Pruitt has consistently worked to ensure clean air and clean water, and will serve as an invaluable asset in resetting the agenda on environmental improvement as we move forward.  I look forward to working with the Trump administration and Attorney General Pruitt in bringing our country out of an era of red tape and into a more transparent age based on sound science.”