The Latest on Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt (all times local):
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8:15 p.m.
EPA chief Scott Pruitt’s former security chief has appeared before staffers of a House oversight committee. Pasquale Perrotta had been expected to face questions about big security spending, although there are no immediate details Wednesday on his testimony.
The House oversight committee is investigating reports from whistleblowers and news media of alleged ethics breaches at Pruitt’s EPA. Pruitt has repeatedly blamed subordinates for high spending on security guards and other perks at the agency.
Pruitt unexpectedly announced Tuesday that Perrotta was stepping down from his EPA security job.
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11 a.m.
A newly released memo shows the husband of Scott Pruitt’s Washington landlord sought EPA appointments on behalf of a client last year.
The memo, from last August, shows lobbyist Steven Hart suggested EPA committee appointments on behalf of a client that Hart represented.
Pruitt rented a Washington condo at $50 a night from Hart’s wife.
Pruitt told reporters last month that none of the lobbyist’s clients had any business with the EPA. New Jersey Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone calls the memo proof that Pruitt misled the public.
In a statement, EPA chief of staff Ryan Jackson says the three people recommended by the lobbyist were not appointed to the EPA advisory board.
The New York Times first reported the email, which The Associated Press obtained Wednesday.
