Commentary– Yesterday, the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Environmental Protection Agency violated federal law in promoting the agency’s so-called “Waters of the United States” rule (WOTUS). The decision found that the EPA engaged in covert propaganda and grassroots lobbying to support the WOTUS regulations. Congressman Pearce issued the following statement in response:
“The American people deserve a federal government that is effective, efficient and accountable and these actions by the EPA threaten the integrity of the government and violate those principles. This report clearly shows this Administration will stop at nothing to expand its power, even if that means breaking the law,” said Pearce. “The GAO’s findings reiterate the Obama Administration’s desire to force politically motivated regulations on the American people, regardless of the devastating impact they may have.”
“To make matters worse, EPA has been using taxpayer money on propaganda designed to build support for their out-of-touch rule. This is an extremely dangerous precedent and an equally serious crime. Swift action needs to be taken to hold accountable those responsible for these illegal actions. The Department of Justice should intervene and bring appropriate charges against anyone knowingly engaging in illegal activity. Additionally, Gina McCarthy should resign. As the Administrator of the EPA, she is responsible for the accountability and actions of her agency – this report highlights how she has failed in this duty.”
Background: The GAO decision concluded that the EPA's use of a social media platform known as "Thunderclap" to promote the WOTUS rule constituted "covert propaganda." Specifically, the agency’s campaign encouraged users to share social media messages in support of the rule without identifying the EPA as the source of those messages. Further, the audit concluded that the EPA separately broke the law by linking to environmental groups’ websites that urged members to contact Congress and fight legislation to block the WOTUS rule. That, the GAO found, coupled with the use of appropriated funds, amounted to grassroots lobbying – violating federal statutes.