Reps. Olson, Scalise Demand EPA Official's Resignation

Press Release

Congressmen Pete Olson (TX-22) and Steve Scalise (LA-01) today released the following statements after the EPA's Region 6 Administrator Al Armendariz said his philosophy for EPA enforcement is to "crucify" energy companies.

"Administrator Armendariz has demonstrated a pattern of hostility toward the oil and gas industry in Texas," Olson said. " The abuse of power has gone on long enough. Apparently, it didn't satisfy him to deny Texas the opportunity to manage its own air permitting or oil and gas development. His recently revealed comments demonstrate his desire to rule by fear and intimidation. Texans deserve better- it's time for Administrator Armendariz to be replaced."

"There should be no place for radical bureaucrats who abuse their position to carry out a reckless liberal agenda instead of simply enforcing the rules," Scalise said. "The fact Mr. Armendariz thinks it his role to "crucify' American employers shows that he lacks the impartiality that his taxpayer-funded position demands, and he needs to step down. Unfortunately this is not an isolated instance, and instead is yet another example of a pattern of anti-business activity by the Obama administration that has led to weak economic growth and millions of lost jobs."

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