Following Betsy DeVos’ lead, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt acknowledged his detractors and emphasized the importance of cooperation during his introductory remarks to his new staff.
“I seek to listen, learn and lead with you to address these issues that we face as a nation,” he assured the audience.
Pruitt’s nomination drew a sharp backlash from environmentalists on the Left. The Sierra Club slammed him as “equally unqualified and dangerous” in its efforts to derail his confirmation. Actress and activist Susan Sarandon predicted he would mark “the end of the EPA.”
In his remarks, Pruitt acknowledged this “toxic environment,” lamenting “we have jerseys that we put on both politically and otherwise.” That environment, Pruitt said, is “damaging to the overall objective of finding results and answers to some very challenging issues that we face as a country.”
“Civility is something that I believe in very much,” he told his colleagues.
Pruitt also praised the EPA staff, thanking them for their service to the agency and noting their love for their work. Recalling the average time staffers serve in their jobs, he commented that it “says a lot about the mission of the agency and the people who are here.”
“I look forward to spending time with you,” Pruitt told the staff, noting his intention to get to know employees personally and demonstrating how he can be a resource to them.
In closing, Pruitt quoted environmental icon John Muir, telling his colleagues, “I hope as we journey together that we will establish places to pray in and places to play in for our citizens.”
Despite efforts to depict them as existential threats to their departments, both Pruitt and DeVos wisely used their opening remarks to defy critics and emphasize that they intend to listen and cooperate.
Emily Jashinsky is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
