WASHINGTON, D.C. February 17th, 2017 –The following statement was issued by Andreas Merkl, CEO of Ocean Conservancy, on the Senate confirmation of Scott Pruitt as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“The American people deserve an EPA administrator who champions clean air and clean water. Unfortunately, Scott Pruitt has not shown himself to be in line with what the vast majority of Americans need and want.

“In his confirmation hearing and written testimony, Scott Pruitt was ambivalent about the services that the EPA provides. He was dismissive about proven threats to our ocean and coasts like ocean acidification.

“The EPA’s guidance on clean air and clean water has benefited not just our health, but our lands, coasts, rivers and ocean. Our ocean and coasts would be far less healthy and productive without the steady efforts of the EPA to restrict harmful pollution.

“Coastal communities depend on partnerships with the EPA to ensure that businesses like shellfish farms can thrive. These services have nothing to do with politics and everything to do with supporting hard-working Americans.

“It’s time to have a new conversation about the EPA under Pruitt’s leadership. Congress and the states need to be a check on the administration’s agenda and to prioritize the health and well-being of all Americans – from our children who need clean air and clean water to the coastal businesses that depend on the EPA to stay in business.”

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Andreas Merkl is available for interviews upon request.

Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.