WASHINGTON D.C. — IER President Thomas Pyle released the following statement regarding the resignation of EPA Region 6 Administrator Al Armendariz, who was under heavy criticism because of a stated “crucifixion” enforcement strategy that was caught on tape and distributed last week by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.):
“Administrator Al Armendariz’s comments are representative of the arbitrary and punitive enforcement strategy that has developed at the EPA in the last three years. His resignation, while appropriate, does nothing to stop the regulatory assault on traditional energy producers currently led by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. A pattern of politicized rule-making and reckless scientific analysis envelop the agency, despite the damage-control efforts being coordinated at the White House.
“Words are important, but actions speak louder than words. And while Administrator Armendariz’s comments were reprehensible, the agency’s ongoing effort to intimidate and even bankrupt coal, oil and natural gas producers is far worse.”
The Institute for Energy Research (IER) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts intensive research and analysis on the functions, operations, and government regulation of global energy markets. IER maintains that freely-functioning energy markets provide the most efficient and effective solutions to today’s global energy and environmental challenges and, as such, are critical to the well-being of individuals and society.
