“The EPA is not a conquering army, it does not wield dictatorial power, and it certainly was not granted the authority to crucify anyone – metaphorically or not.”
Washington, DC – Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) joined 27 members of Congress on a letter calling for the immediate termination of EPA Region VI Administrator Al Armendariz in response to his philosophy of enforcement.
Mr. Armendariz has recently come under fire for comments he made comparing the agency’s enforcement strategy to Roman crucifixion. Today, the Texas Republican delegation, joined by Reps. Steve King, Steve Pearce and Trent Franks, responded in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson calling for his job.
“I hope that you will agree with us that these comments are beyond the pale,” the letter states. “The EPA is not a conquering army, it does not wield dictatorial power, and it certainly was not granted the authority to crucify anyone – metaphorically or not.
“We find it hard to believe that any of those facts need clarification, but these comments suggest otherwise.
Mr. Armendariz’s statements betray a vindictive culture that is driven by ideology more than it is by science. It is no secret in Texas, the heart of America’s oil and gas industry, that the EPA has become a petty, arbitrary, and demagogic organization. It is a sad fall for an institution charged with safeguarding the public.
“As director of Region VI, Mr. Armendariz has shown little restraint on putting his “crucifixion strategy” into action. Time and time again, Mr. Armendariz has rushed to publicly proclaim what horrible sin a company has committed. With great fanfare he would “crucify” them in public and hoist them high, for all to see. Only later, when the crowds had left, and only the scientists and jurists remained, did he admit that perhaps he had been a bit too hasty.”
The letter concludes stating, ”We are deeply disappointed in not only the statements of Mr. Armendariz, but also the abrasive, hostile posture that his office has struck during his tenure. It is our recommendation that Mr. Armendariz be relieved of his position, effective immediately.”
Background
During a local Texas government meeting in 2010, Al Armendariz, the EPA administer in the Region 6 Dallas office, made remarks comparing his agency’s enforcement philosophy to Roman crucifixion.
To watch the video, click here.
