In an escalation of the right’s anti-EPA fervor, Rep. Paul Gosar is preparing to file legislation to open up impeachment proceedings against Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy.
Gosar is circulating a letter to colleagues and plans to introduce a resolution this week calling for McCarthy’s impeachment, charging that she delivered false testimony before Congress when testifying about a clean-water rule.
“Perjury and making false statements to Congress are an affront to the fundamental principles of our republic and the rule of law, and such behavior cannot be tolerated,” Gosar’s letter states. “This bill holds Administrator McCarthy accountable for her blatant deceptions and unlawful conduct.”
According to Gosar, McCarthy lied before Congress when testifying about the Waters of the United States rule, which clarified the administration’s authority under the 1972 Clean Water Act and gave it authority over more streams, waterways, and tributaries.
Much of Gosar’s accusations have to do with the scientific backing for the water rule and consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers. Memos released after the rule’s finalization have shown that Army Corps Maj. Gen. John Peabody expressed concerns to Assistant Army Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy about changes being made to the final rule, including the scientific justification for some decisions. Through a spokesman, the EPA declined to comment.