Fleming Calls for Resignation of EPA Official Who Wants to “Crucify” Energy Companies
Washington, D.C.,
Apr 26, 2012 -
Congressman John Fleming, M.D. (LA-4) issued the following statement, calling for the resignation of an EPA official who illustrated his agency’s strategy for dealing with oil and gas companies by comparing it to Roman crucifixion:
“I have seen the video of Al Armendariz and it’s very disturbing. Mr. Armendariz, an administrator with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Dallas office, described his enforcement philosophy with these words: ‘The Romans used to conquer little villages in the Mediterranean. They’d go into a little Turkish town somewhere, they’d find the first five guys they saw and they would crucify them. And then you know that town was really easy to manage for the next few years.’
“The use of threats and intimidation to force energy companies to submit to an extremist agenda may be fitting under a totalitarian regime, but it is never acceptable in the United States. The sad reality is that Mr. Armendariz employed this strategy. Without real evidence, the EPA tried to stop a company that was safely drilling with hydraulic fracturing. The case was finally dismissed earlier this year, but it stands as an example of the EPA’s willingness to ‘crucify’ energy companies.
“Mr. Aremdariz’s apology for his remarks is simply not enough. He should no longer be in a position from which he can wield his authority to intimidate hard-working companies.”
Note: Congressman Fleming spoke today on the House floor about this issue. The video of his remarks can be seen here. Congressman Fleming also co-signed a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson urging her to fire Mr. Armendariz
Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small businessowner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.
