The New Hampshire Audubon is, for the first time ever, publicly opposing the nominee for the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
“After careful consideration, the New Hampshire Audubon Board of Trustees has unanimously agreed to publicly oppose the nomination of Scott Pruitt,” the NH Audubon announced Friday in a press release. The message was sent to encourage people to contact New Hampshire Sens. Jeannie Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, both Democrats, before they voted on Pruitt’s nomination.
The organization argued that Pruitt, the Oklahoma Attorney General, has fought against regulations for clean air, clean water and a healthy environment, and that he has indicated he doesn’t believe climate change is a threat.
Meanwhile, NH Audubon said warmer winters due to climate change affect rural economic activity like snowmobiling and skiing, while changing seasons and pollinator activity hurt the agricultural community. Protecting clean water and clean air, they said, is also necessary for the health of wildlife, people and the economy in the state.
“(Pruitt’s) record and public statements clearly indicate that he has little regard either for science or for the mission of the EPA,” the Audubon said. “We believe that this nomination is unprecedented in the degree to which Mr. Pruitt is unsuitable for the position.”