EPA watchdog expands probe of Pruitt travel
WASHINGTON (AP) - The inspector general at the Environmental Protection Agency says it is expanding an inquiry into Administrator Scott Pruitt's frequent taxpayer-funded travel.
The watchdog office said the review will now include all travel by Pruitt through Sept. 30. Previously, the inspector general was focusing on Pruitt's travel to his home state of Oklahoma through July 31.
A spokeswoman said Friday the scope of the review was expanded after requests by members of Congress,
In this June 2, 2017 file photo, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt looks back after speaking to the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. Pruitt says he'll revive a Bush-era program to maintain an open dialogue with American businesses. Pruitt says the collaboration will boost the economy while delivering "better environmental outcomes." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press and others reported in July that Pruitt traveled to Oklahoma at least 10 times.
An EPA spokeswoman said the trips were warranted.
The inspector general's office said its review will look at whether Pruitt followed EPA travel policies and whether those policies are sufficient to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.