Susan Collins will vote against Scott Pruitt for EPA chief

[Tanuki]

http://mainepublic.org/post/i-will-vote-no-susan-collins-says-she-ll-oppose-scott-pruitt-lead-epa#stream/0

....."Specifically, I have significant concerns that Mr. Pruitt has actively opposed and sued the EPA on numerous issues that are of great importance to the state of Maine, including mercury controls for coal-fired power plants and efforts to reduce cross-state air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” she says. “His actions leave me with considerable doubts about whether his vision for the EPA is consistent with the agency’s critical mission to protect human health and the environment.”

Collins joins independent U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine in her opposition to Pruitt as EPA administrator. In announcing his decision last month, King said there’s no record that he can find of Pruitt being “affirmative and strong” in enforcing environmental laws as attorney general.

“I just can’t, in good conscience, as somebody’s who’s taken seriously environmental protection all my life, approve the appointment of someone who is so manifestly opposed to the mission of the agency,” King said.

Pruitt has sued the EPA 14 times, and according to a letter from more than 400 former EPA workers last week, issued more than 50 press releases celebrating lawsuits to overturn EPA standards to limit mercury emissions from power plants, reduce smog and haze, clean up the Chesapeake Bay and control greenhouse gases.

.......
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Pruitt was grilled over a series of letters he sent to federal agencies on state stationery that were critical of the economic effects of environmental rules, and drafted, almost word for word, by energy lobbyists. He has also been criticized as a climate change denier and someone who has indicated that he would like to see a limited role for the EPA.

..........
But she says she is also worried about the potential for weakening a federal agency that works to implement and enforce landmark environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Power Plan.

.....

“I’ve talked to a lot of individuals throughout our state — scientists, environmental advocates, fishermen and boaters — and all of them are telling me of their concerns about how the environment is changing in our state,” she says. “And the changes we are already seeing in Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine, for example, are cause for alarm.”

Both Collins and King’s offices have been inundated with calls and letters critical of Pruitt and other cabinet choices in recent weeks. Collins’ Portland office has also been the scene of several demonstrations against the EPA nominee.

.........

[Thrill]

1. But Manchin

Likely will vote yes

[hatrack]

4. Meaning, of course, that he'll be confirmed . . .

But don't you DARE say anything bad about Manchin or his motivations! Don't you DARE!!!!

[Cognitive_Resonance]

2. Smells like another case of receiving permission to oppose because they know enough votes

are in the bag. She's so disingenuous.

[gratuitous]

5. Yep

Collins never goes against the family unless she's fully covered and the family business is going to go ahead anyway.

[hatrack]

6. Harry Reid: "Susan Collins is always there for you when you don't need her."

In a nutshell.

[randr]

3. Count in at least one Republic with balls or in her case ovaries.