EPA OFFICIALS ADMIT TO WORKING WITH LOBBYISTS OPPOSED TO TRUMP’S AGENDA

[link to dailycaller.com]

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) career staff working at the vehicle testing lab admitted to working with the lobbyist of a company opposed to the Trump administration’s agenda, according to a letter obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation.

The letter from EPA to lawmakers on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology over alleged collusion between career staff in Michigan and auto industry lobbyists to undermine efforts to repeal Obama-era regulations on gliders — trucks with refurbished engines installed into new chasses.

Volvo “expressed a willingness to assist with EPA’s acquisition of a glider vehicle for testing through its dealership network,” reads the letter. Volvo arranged for two glider trucks to be delivered to EPA, which were tested in late 2017.

However, officials told EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum the study was conducted “independent of any outside stakeholder input,” adding that “while Volvo did provide unsolicited views on the EPA test program, EPA staff directed and carried out the test program independent from Volvo.”