What happens when a U.S. cabinet position is occupied by an avowed enemy of the associated department? This kind of "hostile takeover" occurred when President Trump nominated Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Filmmaker James Jacoby’s PBS-aired Frontline documentary examines Pruitt’s mission to undo "eight years of hell" under Obama, notably what he calls the "war on coal," anti-pollution rules enacted by "radical environmentalists," and the "overreach" of scientists on the issue of climate change. As Attorney General of Oklahoma, Pruitt waged war on Washington, forging partnerships between GOP politicians, lobbyists, and gas and oil industry executives, while also initiating a flurry of lawsuits and blocking actions. Riding high on the Tea Party revolution, Pruitt fought federal rules and promoted doubt on climate change. Installed at the EPA, Pruitt has been effective at seeking budget cutbacks, reducing the size of federally protected land and parks, and relaxing the rules on clean air and water, all while leaving key positions unfilled. And at every point the gas and oil industry has been given a "seat at the table." The atmosphere between new appointees and old department holdovers is tense, with minimal cooperation and communication on both sides. Although the currently beleaguered Pruitt is not interviewed here, there is plenty of input from both critics and Pruitt supporters. Looking at a prime example of Trump chaos in a department where political cultures collide, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
War on the EPA
(2017) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0373-8. Volume 33, Issue 3
War on the EPA
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