Former EPA Officials Call For Congressional Probe Into Agency

The transcript discusses a congressional probe into the Trump administration's conflict with California over environmental policies. Nearly 600 former EPA employees have requested an investigation into EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler's threats to withhold highway funding from California, accusing the state of violating clean water laws. The letter suggests Wheeler's actions may be retaliatory for California's lack of support for Trump's political agenda. The former employees argue that Wheeler's focus on California is partisan, given similar violations in other states. They also question the legitimacy of Wheeler's actions, citing the current administration's poor record on environmental enforcement. The EPA responded by pointing out California's severe air quality issues, claiming the matter is not political.

What was the main request of the former EPA employees in their letter to the House Oversight and Reform Committee?

• To probe into Andrew Wheeler's threat to withhold highway funding from California

• To support President Trump's environmental policies

• To investigate the EPA's funding allocation to all states

• To increase highway funding for California

Why did the former EPA employees believe Wheeler's actions were partisan?

• Because he supported California's environmental policies

• Because he increased funding for California

• Because he followed the previous administration's policies

• Because he targeted California while ignoring other states with similar violations

What was the accusation made against California by the EPA?

• California violated clean water laws

• California failed to report environmental data

• California misused federal funds

• California violated clean air laws

What concern did the former EPA employees express about Wheeler's actions?

• They were legitimate uses of EPA's authority

• They were intended to advance environmental protection

• They were not legitimate uses of EPA's authority

• They were widely supported by environmental groups

How did the EPA spokesman respond to the letter from former employees?

• By ignoring the letter completely

• By promising to investigate Wheeler's actions

• By stating that California's environmental issues are not political

• By agreeing with the accusations