COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Four Democratic lawmakers are
asking the state watchdog to investigate allegations of political
pressure at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Tuesday’s
letter to Inspector General Randall Meyer seeks review of
pollution-discharge permits for 13 coal facilities that have expired
since Gov. John Kasich took office. The Associated Press
reported the expirations last week.
State Reps. Debbie Phillips,
John Carney, Nickie Antonio and Robert Hagan also asked Meyer to look
into a pro-drilling communications plan developed by the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources.
A veteran Ohio EPA official alleged last
year that his retirement was forced under pressure from coal industry
interests. The official, George Elmaraghy, said in an
email to his staff that companies sought illegally weak permits.
The companies and the agency have denied his claims.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Four Democratic lawmakers are
asking the state watchdog to investigate allegations of political
pressure at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Tuesday’s
letter to Inspector General Randall Meyer seeks review of
pollution-discharge permits for 13 coal facilities that have expired
since Gov. John Kasich took office. The Associated Press
reported the expirations last week.
State Reps. Debbie Phillips,
John Carney, Nickie Antonio and Robert Hagan also asked Meyer to look
into a pro-drilling communications plan developed by the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources.
A veteran Ohio EPA official alleged last
year that his retirement was forced under pressure from coal industry
interests. The official, George Elmaraghy, said in an
email to his staff that companies sought illegally weak permits.
The companies and the agency have denied his claims.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.