9/26/2017
The Washington Post reported today that EPA chief Scott Pruitt will receive a private secure phone compartment built into his office. The cost to taxpayers is approximately $25,000.00
Typically, such soundproof booths are used to conduct hearing tests. But the EPA sought a customized version — one that eventually would cost several times more than a typical model — that Pruitt can use to communicate privately.
“They had a lot of modifications,” said Steve Snider, an acoustic sales consultant with the company, who worked with the agency on its order earlier this summer. “Their main goal was they wanted essentially a secure phone booth that couldn’t be breached from a data point of view or from someone standing outside eavesdropping.”
Needless to say, there hasn’t been a secret phone booth in the office of any previous administrator.
Scott Pruitt seems to be a bit paranoid when it comes to security, especially for the security of a department that is supposed to be fighting for clean air and water, not building a nuclear bomb.
Pruitt has tripled his security detail to 18 people to cover his around-the-clock needs. The coverage has required agents who would normally be investigating environmental crimes to leave their posts to provide protection. These agents have not been trained to provide security like the secret service.
In addition, Pruitt requires staff attending meetings to surrender any electronic devices (such as cell phones) outside of the meeting room. He tries not to use the EPA email, and he refuses to post his appointment schedule as past administrators have done.
Pruitt’s sense of secrecy itself raises questions. Why so secrete? Is he working for the people, or against them?
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