EPA Head Scott Pruitt Resigns, Leaves Parting Gift on "Gliders"

Late last week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned. Pruitt’s resignation comes after months of numerous scandals questioning his management style, spending habits and using his position for personal gain. Following Pruitt’s departure, EPA deputy administrator Andrew Wheeler, will serve as acting EPA administrator until Pruitt’s replacement is nominated and approved by the Senate. While a permanent replacement could be Wheeler, no candidates have yet to be named.

Before Pruitt’s resignation became effective, he finalized one last regulatory action: non-enforcement of limits on glider kit manufacturing. Specifically, EPA’s 2016 Phase 2 rule which aims to limit emissions, while increasing miles per gallon for heavy-duty trucks, included a provision to limit the use of glider kits (basically refurbished trucks). This development allows glider kit manufacturers to ignore previously imposed limits on the number of gliders allowed to be produced, for years 2018 and 2019. EPA stated the non-enforcement was necessary while it finalizes a new rule to permanently repeal the glider kit provisions contained in the Phase 2 rule. The final decision on the glider kit repeal is expected to be released soon.

During his tenure as EPA chief, Pruitt was effective in slowing, stalling and eliminating costly, burdensome regulations to the ready mixed concrete industry. Pruitt’s acting successor Wheeler is expected to continue with the same agenda, however timing and any new deregulatory avenues are yet to be seen.

For more information, contact Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.