EPA's Pruitt Says Icahn Wasn't Directing Policy At EPA On RFS

Even though Carl Icahn has exited the White House as an adviser to President Donald Trump, he is still getting attention. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt responded to inquiries from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., on Icahn's involvement in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and the point of obligation issue he pursued. Pruitt said in any meetings he had with Icahn, he gave no assurances to Icahn relative to the point of obligation or "any other substantive issue." Pruitt further noted the agency searched email in boxes of 39 EPA officials and found no emails from Icahn or the refining firm he has a majority interest in – CVR.However, a spokesman for Whitehouse indicated some skepticism about Pruitt's assurances. "On its face, this letter suggests Mr. Icahn had far less control over RFS policymaking than he had suggested publicly," Whitehouse spokesman Rich Davidson told Politico. "On the other hand, Pruitt has a long-established skill in obscuring his contacts with the industry that pulls his strings."