U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s, R-Camas, press release of April 21 states that the EPA “illegally used taxpayer money to advocate for its egregious power grab.” Herrera Beutler is demanding answers and rightly so.
A website, whatsupstream.com, lobbying for agricultural runoff restrictions was funded by EPA money contrary to federal law, but the EPA did not direct money to that campaign but rather provided a grant to a consortium of Indian tribes working toward salmon recovery. It was the consortium’s sub-award that funded the campaign, illegally, with federal dollars.
However, our representative’s press release would have one believe that the EPA is actively and intentionally running a lobbying campaign. That is not accurate. The press release reads more like GOP lobbying against the EPA. Spin level, about 350 rpm.