EPA Asserts Executive Privilege In CA Emissions Case
Brad Eleven writes "The AP reports that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invoked executive privilege to justify withholding information in its response to a lawsuit. The state of California is challenging the agency's decision to block their attempt to curb the emissions from new cars and trucks. In response, the EPA has delivered documents requested by the Freedom of Information Act for the discovery phase of the lawsuit — but the documents are heavily redacted. That is, the agency has revealed that it did spend many hours meeting to discuss the issue, but refuses to divulge the details or the outcomes of the meetings. Among the examples cited, 16 pages of a 43-page Powerpoint presentation are completely blank except for the page titles. An EPA spokesperson used language similar to other recent claims of executive privilege, citing 'the chilling effect that would occur if agency employees believed their frank and honest opinions and analysis expressed as part of assessing California's waiver request were to be disclosed in a broad setting.'"
The EPA has become the Exxon Protection Agency under our current executive leadership. Sadly the Democrats, once they are in power, will need years to reverse the damage.
Isn't this the same argument BushCo uses over and over to keep from revealing what they are really up to?
There is no logical reason why California cannot get this information other than it is to cover BushCo butts.
Go ahead, Bush apologists, and mod me down but you know the truth - Bush and his corporate interests are selling you out, selling your country out, and selling your futures out.
Oh Please, nothing is going to change. McCain will just keep the status quo and Clinton is just Bush 2.0 with a healthcare plan backed by her buddies in the pharm industry.