Ben Wolfgang
Articles by Ben Wolfgang
Fishermen sue Trump over Obama’s New England marine monument
Setting off a legal case that will offer clues as to whether President Trump will revoke some of his predecessor's most controversial national monuments, a coalition of fishermen on Tuesday sued the administration over a sprawling 5,000-mile marine monument off the East Coast. Published March 7, 2017
As Donald Trump targets carbon rules, green groups promise a legal fight ‘at every step’
With President Trump poised to issue an executive order aimed at undoing a key pillar of the Obama administration's climate-change agenda, environmental activist groups have joined forces for what they say will be a tooth-and-nail legal battle that could drag on for years. Published March 7, 2017
White House exempts Keystone pipeline, project not required to use American steel: Report
President Trump's pledge that pipeline projects will use "American steel" apparently will not apply to the Keystone XL project, directly contradicting the president's own words last week. Published March 3, 2017
EPA reverses course, won’t seek emissions, equipment data from drillers
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday reversed an Obama-era plan to collect massive amounts of data from oil-and-gas companies -- information that ultimately would've been used as the basis for new federal regulations on methane. Published March 2, 2017
Ryan Zinke, Interior secretary, scraps ban on lead bullets
Hours after literally riding into town on a horse for his first day on the job, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Thursday scrapped an Obama-era ban on hunting with lead bullets on federal lands. Published March 2, 2017
Rick Perry confirmed as Energy secretary by the Senate
Rick Perry on Thursday became the nation's energy secretary, placing the former Texas governor atop a department he once wanted to eliminate entirely. Published March 2, 2017
Ryan Zinke, Interior secretary, rides a horse to work on first day
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke made a unique choice Thursday morning during his first D.C. commute. Published March 2, 2017
Joe Manchin targeted by progressives for removal from Democratic leadership
Citing his vote confirming Jeff Sessions as attorney general and his outspoken support of President Trump's fossil fuel-based energy policy, powerful liberal groups on Thursday demanded that Sen. Joe Manchin be removed from his post in Senate Democratic leadership. Published March 2, 2017
Ben Carson confirmed by Senate as HUD secretary
The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Ben Carson as head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he will oversee federal public housing programs. Published March 2, 2017
Ryan Zinke approved by Senate as Interior secretary
The Senate on Wednesday morning overwhelmingly approved Rep. Ryan K. Zinke to lead the Interior Department, overcoming objections from Democratic leadership to yet another of President Trump's cabinet nominees. Published March 1, 2017
Scott Pruitt email release delayed by Oklahoma Supreme Court
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a win for EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, halting the scheduled release of thousands of additional emails from Mr. Pruitt's time as the state's attorney general. Published February 28, 2017
Donald Trump executive order targets Obama rule on water protection
Once again drawing the ire of environmentalists, President Trump on Tuesday began to roll back a rule put in place by his predecessor that gave the federal government wide authority over small bodies of water across the country. Published February 28, 2017
Scott Pruitt’s email court case in Oklahoma used by environmentalists to raise money
Oklahoma officials will head to the state supreme court Tuesday in an effort to keep secret more of EPA administrator Scott Pruitt's emails -- and the issue quickly has become a rallying point and fundraising tool for environmentalists. Published February 26, 2017
Oklahoma goes to state Supreme Court to fight release of more Scott Pruitt emails
Oklahoma is fighting the release of additional emails from Scott Pruitt, the state's former attorney general and the recently installed EPA administrator, setting up a court battle next week with a watchdog group that argues the documents show collusion with oil and gas companies. Published February 24, 2017
Donald Trump orders all federal agencies to form ‘regulatory reform task force’
President Trump on Friday signed another executive order aimed at reducing federal regulations, this time directing all government agencies to form a "regulatory reform task force" that will identify unneeded red tape and remove it. Published February 24, 2017
Emails show ‘close and friendly’ relationship between Scott Pruitt, energy industry: Watchdog group
Newly installed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt cultivated a "close and friendly" relationship with oil and gas companies during his tenure as Oklahoma attorney general, a watchdog group charged Wednesday, pointing to documents showing Mr. Pruitt's office worked hand in hand with fossil fuel companies to fight Obama-era energy regulations. Published February 22, 2017
Scott Pruitt promises major changes from Obama years
Scott Pruitt told EPA employees Tuesday that he's committed to protecting the environment and upholding the agency's core mission, but he also signaled that major changes are ahead as he begins to dismantle much of former President Obama's climate change agenda. Published February 21, 2017
Scott Pruitt releases emails on oil industry ties to Center for Media and Democracy
New EPA administrator Scott Pruitt delivered the first batch emails to a watchdog group, adding new fuel to the debate over whether he's too closely tied to the oil-and-gas industry. Published February 21, 2017
Scott Pruitt, new EPA chief: Agency will respect rule of law, states’ rights
He didn't delve into policy specifics nor did he mention his predecessors by name, but new Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday told federal employees that under his leadership the agency once again will adhere to the rule of law and will respect states' rights. Published February 21, 2017
Carbon tax at risk as GOP leaders, anti-tax allies move to halt proposals
Republican leaders on Capitol Hill and their anti-tax allies are moving quickly to crush conservative proposals for a carbon tax before they even have time to breathe. Published February 19, 2017
