FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
CONTACT:
Aaron Bharucha, Communications Associate
(509) 429-1699 and epn-press@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org
The Dark Cloud Hanging Over Vought Confirmation Hearings
Vought’s dangerous plans to stoke public anger toward EPA civil servants should not be ignored—and he should not be confirmed
Russell Vought, president-elect Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has called for traumatizing EPA staff, saying: “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains.” The Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on Vought’s confirmation tomorrow, January 15.
“Vought’s clear intent to incite anger and hatred toward EPA staff uniquely disqualifies him for the role of Director of OMB, the White House office that oversees federal agencies,” said Jeremy Symons, senior advisor for the Environmental Protection Network. “EPA scientists and experts come to work every day to protect families from toxic chemicals, air pollution, and water pollution. Their public service should be appreciated and valued. Inciting hatred toward government employees puts them undeservedly at risk when the dangers facing public officials are already too real.”
“As a non-partisan organization comprising former EPA officials from Republican and Democratic administrations, the Environmental Protection Network respects the confirmation process and importance of putting qualified nominees quickly in place,” Symons said. “While the Senate often shows deference to the president’s picks on policy matters, the Environmental Protection Network believes that Vought’s comments are extreme and disqualifying. We encourage the Senate to reject his confirmation.”
Vought’s comments shine a spotlight on a key question hanging over the confirmation of Lee Zeldin, president-elect Trump’s nominee to lead EPA, who will testify before the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on January 16. If confirmed as Director of OMB, Vought would oversee the implementation of Trump’s vision and budget across the Executive Branch, including EPA.
“The question hanging like a dark cloud over Zeldin’s confirmation is what he will do when the White House tells him to traumatize the EPA employees who go to work every day to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink,” Symons said.
EPN Senior Advisor Jeremy Symons is available to speak with the media about Russell Vought’s possible confirmation and the impact on EPA and government employees.
About Jeremy Symons: Jeremy Symons is a Senior Advisor for the Environmental Protection Network. He is a former Climate Policy Advisor for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and former Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.