​Kaptur, Joyce Babysitting Trump Administration on Great Lakes

A recent newspaper report shows that Northeast Ohio Members of Congress Marcy Kaptur and David Joyce continue to intervene on behalf of Great Lakes restoration because the Trump Administration won’t do its job on behalf of the world’s largest fresh water system, source of drinking water to Cleveland, Toledo–and millions more.

Kaptur and Joyce sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who has twice tried to eliminate Great Lakes restoration funding, urging him to maintain, rather than abolish, a 14-member Great Lakes Advisory Board of restoration experts. 24 Members of Congress from both parties co-signed the letter--a welcome triumph of bipartisan cooperation and common sense.

What’s Pruitt’s problem? Instead of doing his job–to improve health and conserve natural resources–he has been dismantling protections for clean air and healthy drinking water. And he’s been shielding himself from public input by using tax dollars to build a sound proof phone booth and fly first class–one presumes to keep away pesky citizens who might bother him with requests to curb climate change emissions and the like.

Mr. Trump, it’s time to tell Pruitt your favorite phrase: “You’re fired.” Ohioans need an EPA leader who will protect our health and restore the Great Lakes.