Tester to EPA: Stop wasteful spending, come to Montana

Private jets, secret “soundproof booths,” and steakhouses, you would think that this is the dream life of a rich movie star — or maybe James Bond — but according to reports, this dream is a reality for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. While Pruitt lives the high-life on taxpayers’ dimes, Montana communities wait. And we cannot afford to keep the communities of Columbia Falls, Butte, Anaconda, and Libby waiting any longer.

While Pruitt spends $25,000 of taxpayer money to construct a “privacy booth” at EPA Headquarters, the people of Columbia Falls cry out for the EPA to do its job: cleanup the CFAC site and hold Glencore accountable. The people of Columbia Falls spoke loud and clear, they want this Superfund site cleaned up. Home to a thriving outdoor economy, Columbia Falls deserves to see CFAC taken care of for future generations. I invite Pruitt to come listen to the people of Columbia Falls.

While Pruitt crisscrosses the nation on private planes, he flies over Butte, home to two separate Superfund sites. The tailings and Silver Bow Creek need to be cleaned up so Butte can thrive. The people of Butte are eager to hear from Pruitt. He will see their tenacity, determination, and fighting spirit. I invite Pruitt to visit to the Mining City so he can see the Berkeley Pit and Silver Bow Creek for himself, and understand why they need to be cleaned up.