Press Releases

EPA Region VI Administrator Al Armendariz resigned Monday, after a video surfaced in which Mr. Armendariz says the administration should “crucify” lawbreaking oil and gas companiesin order to set an example for others.

Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) released the following statement in response to the resignation:

“Mr. Armendariz’s comments only magnified the EPA’s tyrannical environmental policies, exposing President Obama’s true energy agenda. President Obama claims to be in support of an “all-of-the-above” approach to our nation’s energy independence, including supporting American oil and gas to spur economic growth and create jobs. However, using scare tactics to deter companies from doing business in America is not a policy our administration should be standing for.

“This incident gives a glimpse into the culture President Obama has created within the EPA and the rest of his Administration, and it is not one that is representative of America or the way we do business. While Mr. Armendariz is now gone, there are no doubt many more officials who are also guilty of promoting practices that stand in the way of American energy production, job creation and ultimately, our economic recovery.”