Subcommittee Chairmen Applaud EPA Sue and Settle Decision

WASHINGTON – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Interior, Energy, and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Blake Farenthold (R-TX) and Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to end “sue and settle” practices.  

“We are encouraged by Administrator Pruitt’s decision designed to end the unacceptable practice of sue and settle agreements. The process creates an unfair system where special interest groups win, and taxpayers lose. For years, we have warned that abuse of consent decrees circumvents the legislative process. It is time to restore an open process that allows input from the American people.”

Background:

• The Committee conducted two hearings this year on May 24 and July 25, examining the impact of “sue and settle” cases and consent decrees.