The Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog said Wednesday it plans to release a report the day after Memorial Day on former Administrator Scott Pruitt’s use of an expensive round-the-clock security detail.
EPA’s inspector general said it will release the report the morning of Sept. 4, along with an accompanying podcast.
Pruitt resigned last month after facing a dozen federal investigations over his spending, first-class travel, and use of security.
The EPA’s inspector general in April began investigating Pruitt for his use of the security detail on personal trips to Disneyland, the Rose Bowl, and college basketball games.
The EPA spent nearly $3.5 million on Pruitt’s security detail during his first year on the job, including travel and overtime pay.
He was the first EPA administrator with that level of security. The EPA justified the constant security presence by saying Pruitt has faced unprecedented threats from people who opposed his deregulatory agenda.
It’s not clear whether the inspector general’s reports will mean anything for Pruitt other than more embarrassment. Democrats are hoping some of his unethical actions constituted a criminal offense.
