Podcast appearances and mentions of bryan schott

Michael Jolley recently moved his family to Georgia but he's still active in Utah politics by hilariously pointing out contradictions, inaccuracies, and flat-out lies peddled by leftist journalists and politicos. Our favorite Salt Lake Tribune garbageman, Bryan Schott, was a Jolley target after Schott (wrongly) identified a symbol painted a high school rock monument as being associated with violent right-wing militia groups in a recent article. Jolley has also spent time researching US senate candidate (and former presidential hopeful) Evan McMullin and shares his fascinating (and disturbing) discoveries. https://twitter.com/utjolley https://ciamcmullin.com/

On this episode, reporter Bryan Schott talks about Utah Sen. Mike Lee's new Twitter account, BasedMikeLee, and how he discovered the connection between the lawmaker and the bizarre social media page.

First on today's episode, Connor Sanders talks to us about a recent Jordan School Board meeting where a steep property tax increase was approved. Then, Bryan Schott fills us in on the political return of Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson.

Politics reporter Bryan Schott joins “The Daily Buzz” to discuss the 2022 Utah primary elections results and what that means for Sen. Mike Lee's reelection chances this November. Schott also discusses the disconnect between who Republican delegates nominate and candidates that GOP voters prefer. And opinions editors George Pyle talks to politics editor Jeff Parrott about a Californian who says he's not bringing his family or business to Utah anymore because of the state's abortion ban.

At his monthly news conference on Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox spoke about the state's gun laws and whether he'd be willing to consider reform. We include snippets from the news conference, while reporter Saige Miller joins the podcast to discuss the governor's comments. Politics reporter Bryan Schott also speaks with managing editor Grant Burningham about the latest updates from the Jan. 6 select committee hearings happening now in Congress.

In today's episode, politics reporter Bryan Schott talks about Sen. Mike Lee's recent interview on C-SPAN and the Utah senator's remarks about the movie “2000 Mules.” Columnist Robert Gehrke discusses the state's medical marijuana industry and reporter Palak Jayswal talks about a Lehi chocolate shop that removed two product names after complaints of racism.

The Salt Lake County Council bans new mines in the foothills and canyons of the Wasatch Mountains. A Utah congressional candidate brings controversial Republican adviser Roger Stone onto his campaign. And Sen. Mike Lee stays mum on former President Donald Trump's “Complete and Total Endorsement.” At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Brian Maffly and Bryan Schott, along […]

The Salt Lake County Council bans new mines in the foothills and canyons of the Wasatch Mountains. A Utah congressional candidate brings controversial Republican adviser Roger Stone onto his campaign. And Sen. Mike Lee stays mum on former President Donald Trump's “Complete and Total Endorsement.” At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Brian Maffly and Bryan Schott, along […]

Alexander Vindman, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former national security staffer, has alleged that Utah's Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Chris Stewart have "blood on their hands" because of the the war in Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with The Salt Lake Tribune's Bryan Schott, Tribune investigative reporter Jessica Miller talks about her reporting on teen-treatment industry and a new podcast called "Sent Away." And Paighten Harkins discusses her reporting on the "worst-case repercussions" for Utahns experiencing homelessness.

It's Republican and Utah United Parties caucus day. Politicians, and political hopefuls, are vying for their chance to be on Utahns ballots later this year. Politics journalists Bryan Schott talks with managing editor Grant Burningham about this year's GOP caucus day. The Tribune's Jessica Miller has spent the last few years reporting on Utah's teen treatment industry. Jessica introduces her new podcast called "Sent Away. And reporter Courtney Tanner reports on how the Utah Legislature left Beehive State teachers bruised this year.

BONUS VENT EPISODE!! Kim & Carolyn are just a little ticked off.   Salt Lake Tribune reporter Bryan Schott commits the unforgivable press sin of re-victimizing crime victims; Republican senators who walk out on vital votes; Did Gov. Cox delusionarily forget he is no longer a legislator?

The Tribune's Bryan Schott reports that people with credit cards with Utah zip codes donated more than $41,000 to an anti-vax trucker convoy that blocked traffic in Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic and social pressure are changing mink farming in Utah. And Jessica Miller reports on why Utah will still be a death penalty state, for at least another year.

Something strange is brewing at the capitol. A resolution was passed last week that would limit press access to legislators. I called up Bryan Schott for the scoop, as one does. And don't worry, at the end of the show, we're gonna let a little light in with a poem from Katherine Indermaur, editor of the Sugar House Review, Start your day with a ray of sunshine. Sign up for our daily newsletter!

Bryan Schott reports that all the momentum in the Utah Legislature is aimed towards an income-tax cut next year, with the potential of additional social security tax relief and an earned income tax credit. And reporters Andy Larsen and Kim Bojórquez report on the slow-moving walkways at the Salt Lake City International Airport and a proposed bill that could change the way the state offers driver license testing for Utahns who do not speak English.

The 2022 Legislative Session is only just beginning, and COVID-19 is already the big story. Our panel explains how lawmakers are handling the current surge, and with more than 1,000 bills on the docket, which are likely to be prioritized. Plus, Governor Cox outlines his top issues in the State of the State Address. Bryan Schott, political correspondent for The Salt Lake Tribune; Emily Means, political reporter for KUER; and Frank Pignanelli, political commentator and lobbyist with Foxley & Pignanelli join host Jason Perry on this episode of The Hinckley Report.

Lawmakers in Utah immediately proposed ways to upend local masking mandates, while Tribune politics reporter Bryan Schott interviews Utah Senate President Stuart Adams on what to expect during the 2022 general session.

Hour 1 * Guest: Lowell Nelson – CampaignForLiberty.org – RonPaulInstitute.org. * In our opinion Nothing but Lies: COVID denial, communism and QAnon. Conspiracy theory-fueled conference hits Salt Lake City – Speakers pushed misinformation about COVID and election fraud at sparsely attended event – Bryan Schott, Trent Nelson, The Salt Lake Tribune. * Lowell: One booth I must mention because I have been helping them. Secure Vote Utah collected the names of people interested in returning to a paper ballot in Utah elections, cast on Election Day, and counted in each precinct. Gathered hundreds of names. Please visit their website, SecureVoteUtah.org, to help with this effort. Decentralizing the counting of the votes helps to guarantee honest election results. * We want a system that is transparent and secure. Decades ago, friends and neighbors volunteered to serve as election judges (some to administer the election, and some to count the ballots). They counted the ballots and reported the totals within an hour or two of the polls closing for the day. We want to return to this proven system to reduce costs and enhance security – SecureVoteUtah.org. Hour 2 * Guest: Michael Proper, Chairman CLEAR – Decentralize Your Digital Life With Clear – clear.co.com – Clear.Store. * Centralized systems are robbing our children of the future they deserve! * Decloration of Unity – DigitalWorld.Earth. * Guest: Tracy Scadden Registered Nurse Health Independence Alliance – Silent Vigil for Covid Vaccine Victims. * Guest: Angela Wilson, Author Freedom foundations – Resource Manual and Study Guide. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

* Guest: Lowell Nelson - CampaignForLiberty.org - RonPaulInstitute.org. * In our opinion Nothing but Lies: COVID denial, communism and QAnon. Conspiracy theory-fueled conference hits Salt Lake City - Speakers pushed misinformation about COVID and election fraud at sparsely attended event - Bryan Schott, Trent Nelson, The Salt Lake Tribune. * Lowell: One booth I must mention because I have been helping them. Secure Vote Utah collected the names of people interested in returning to a paper ballot in Utah elections, cast on Election Day, and counted in each precinct. Gathered hundreds of names. Please visit their website, SecureVoteUtah.org, to help with this effort. Decentralizing the counting of the votes helps to guarantee honest election results. * We want a system that is transparent and secure. Decades ago, friends and neighbors volunteered to serve as election judges (some to administer the election, and some to count the ballots). They counted the ballots and reported the totals within an hour or two of the polls closing for the day. We want to return to this proven system to reduce costs and enhance security - SecureVoteUtah.org.

Today, we go to Seoul, South Korea and talk to correspondent Bruce Harrison, as North Korea reacts to recent remarks made by President Biden. We'll also travel to Salt Lake City, Utah and talk with the Salt Lake Tribune's Bryan Schott, who covered the Utah GOP Convention over the weekend. He was in the room when Senator Mitt Romney was booed by those gathered. Why did it happen? We'll talk about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rep. Rob Bishop is retiring from Congress after 9 terms in Washington, capping a career in the political arena spanning parts of six decades. He joins host Bryan Schott to discuss whether the legislative process in Washington can be fixed, what he's learned from his time in politics and what he hopes for Utah and America once he leaves public service.

Video and other resources from this presentation can be found on the A.P.E.X. website at: https://www.suu.edu/apex/2020/11-19-schott.html

On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott and Tribune data columnist Andy Larsen answered your questions and discussed election results. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On the post-election edition of the “Utah Politics” podcast, we’re joined by Jason Perry of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah.Perry discusses what happened in Utah on election day, whether Democrat Ben McAdams can hang on in his race against Republican Burgess Owens, and the mini-blue wave that rolled across Salt Lake County. He also talks about how governor-elect Spencer Cox will govern when he takes office in November.Then, host Bryan Schott is joined by Mark Salter, the longtime aide and confidant of Sen. John McCain. Salter is the author of a new biography of McCain, The Luckiest Man: Life with John McCain.Salter says he thinks Utah Sen. Mitt Romney will be able to find a way to work in a bi-partisan way with a Biden administration, but he does not think Sen. Mike Lee would be less inclined.“I think Sen. Romney is at the point in his public life where he gets up every morning and tries to figure out a way to make the country a little better,” says Salter. “Lee is a little too libertarian, and they have a tendency toward zealotry that always concerns me.”Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

On a special election edition of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott spoke to The Tribune’s Taylor Stevens, Robert Gehrke, Dan Harrie, Courtney Tanner and Andy Larsen about Utah’s early results and what was happening across the country. A few candidates and local politicos joined the conversation, as well. You can watch the discussion on Facebook or on Youtube. You can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

On the Friday edition of the “Utah Politics” podcast, we’re joined by Evan McMullin. McMullin was a presidential candidate in 2016. He captured nearly 22% of the vote in Utah just four years ago. He is now the executive director of Stand Up Republic, a non-profit group dedicated to government reforms. He’s also a frequent guest on cable news programs discussing national security issues.McMullin joins host Bryan Schott to discuss the impact foreign interference might have on the 2020 election, how QAnon has oozed into the mainstream of Republican politics in America, and why he has endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president even though he was a lifelong Republican. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 2020 election season is heating up, and there are only a few weeks left until Nov. 3. From the presidential race, to whether Republicans can maintain control of the U.S. Senate, to Utah’s tight 4th Congressional District race, there’s a whole lot to talk about. And some of you have already turned in your mail-in ballots. On the latest episode of “Trib Talk,” political correspondent Bryan Schott hosted a discussion about this exciting election season with The Tribune’s Robert Gehrke, Taylor Stevens and Bethany Rodgers. You can watch the discussion on our Facebook page or on Youtube. You can listen to the audio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever else you listen to podcasts. Let us know what you want to learn more about on the next episode by using #TribTalk on Twitter or by emailing tribtalk@sltrib.com. “Trib Talk” is produced by Jeni Fitzgibbon and Sara Weber.

Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci frequently begins his day with President Donald Trump attacking him on Twitter. That’s what happened Friday morning shortly before he appeared as a guest on the “Utah Politics” podcast.“I have to be totally candid. It was unnerving the first time it happened,” said Saramucci to host Bryan Schott. “The second time he did it, I actually enjoyed it. And now, it puts me in a terrifically good mood because it means I’m being effective.”Trump’s ire was raised after Scully tweeted at Scaramucci earlier this month asking if he should respond to Trump’s attacks on him. Scully originally claimed his Twitter had been hacked, but was suspended after admitting that was a lie. Last year, Scaramucci tried to recruit Utah Sen. Mitt Romney to challenge Trump for the GOP nomination. Those efforts ultimately proved fruitless. “Mitt is a great human being. He would have made an amazing president,” said Scaramucci sounding wistful about his unsuccessful courtship of Romney. “Think about this. What if he was elected in 2012? If he had been re-elected in 2016, and we would be ending the Mitt Romney administration right now. Trust me, America would have been a much different place,” he said. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

When Sen. Orrin Hatch was first elected to the Senate in 1976, his name was such an oddity that New Yorkers threw “Orrin Hatch” themed cocktail parties following the election according to Rick Perlstein, author of the new book “Reaganland: America’s Right Turn 1976-1980.”“Hatch was introduced to the nation through a comedy article in the New York Times Magazine,” says Perlstein. “Everyone was throwing Jimmy Carter themed parties. This couple looked in the newspaper and they saw this guy won office with a funny name, Orrin Hatch. Nobody had heard of him.That inauspicious introduction aside, Perlstein says Hatch played a big role in ushering in the Reagan revolution once he got to Washington.“Not only does he become a senator, he’s a lot like the Tea Party guys. He’s the first senator to come from this very much more aggressive ‘New Right’ movement. He refuses to do the things senators are supposed to do. Instead, he becomes a leader. When there’s a big fight against a reforming labor unions law that would make it easier to join a union, he is the guy that the Republican caucus chooses as their field general to run a filibuster against the law that was successful,” he says. Perlstein was a guest on the “Utah Politics” podcast with host Bryan Schott. He said Hatch would not have won his election in 1976 without a big assist from Reagan. “The Hatch campaign was desperate. They have no money and no connections whatsoever. They decided if they can get Ronald Reagan, who is incredibly popular in Utah to endorse Hatch, maybe they can pull it out,” recalls Perlstein.“They call him on his vacation in Mexico. They can barely hear him over the bad connection. Reagan agrees to endorse him. They can hardly believe their ears. It’s four days before the election and they managed to get a telegram into the newspapers. That’s why he won,” he added.Perlstein also discusses the debate moment that doomed Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election and the legacy of the “Reagan Revolution.”

Following last week’s bombastic presidential debate, Americans might be hoping for a more sedate event when Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris meet on the debate stage Wednesday night in Salt Lake City.“I think it will be a more substantive debate than what we saw in last week’s debacle,” says Rev. Al Sharpton, host of MSNBC’s “Politics Nation.”“I don’t think it will devolve into fisticuffs,” he added.Sharpton was a guest on the most recent episode of the “Utah Politics” podcast. He told host Bryan Schott that Pence and Harris will be able to discuss the issues without resorting to interruptions and theatrics.Sharpton says both Pence and Harris are seasoned debaters, which should make for the opposite of what we saw last week.“I think it will be a good night for Kamala Harris, but I do not think you ought to underestimate Mike Pence. I think you will see a real exchange of some of the best talent on what we call the left and the right in this country. And I think the voters will be the beneficiaries,” says Sharpton.Sharpton also discussed the Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd and whether he believes President Donald Trump is a man of faith.Sharpton is the author of the new book “Rise Up: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads.”

News broke late Thursday that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump both tested positive for the coronavirus. How might this affect the presidential race going forward?Salt Lake County Councilperson Aimee Winder Newton joins host Bryan Schott to discuss the top political stories from the past week including the presidential and gubernatorial debate, the backlash from Republicans against Utah's state of emergency because of the coronavirus and Sen. Mike Lee testing positive for the virus and a report that Trump trashed Latter-day Saints in private.Schott also talks with Tim Miller, the political director for Republican Voters Against Trump. They wrap up the presidential debate and talk about why moderate Republicans are turning against Trump. Miller also is a writer-at-large for The Bulwark, and hosts "Not My Party" on Snapchat.Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Former Utah Policy editor and newly minted Salt Lake Tribune political correspondent Bryan Schott joins the Blacksite! We talk call-in radio garage sales, Utah political tea, and how being an expert in conspiracy theories is how dumb people feel smart! IT'S A GOOD POD! 

Bryan Schott, political correspondent for the Salt Lake Tribune, brings you conversations with Utah newsmakers, national political experts and authors. He also discusses the latest Utah political news with local reporters and other political figures.Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bryan Schott is joined by political and communications consultant Taylor Morgan to discuss the latest Utah political news. Coronavirus cases in Utah are spiking. Can Gov. Gary Herbert find an effective response to the increase?Attorney General Sean Reyes attends a rally for President Donald Trump in Nevada and is photographed not wearing a mask. Will he pay a political price for that, or standing next to the Pawn Stars guy in the photo?The race between Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Burgess Owens turns nasty as a pair of polls give McAdams a lead in the contest for the first time. Libertarian candidate Robert Latham makes the debate stage in the 2nd Congressional District race involving Republican Chris Stewart and Democrat Kael Weston. Will that impact the race at all?Trump leads Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Utah.Plus, Sen. Mike Lee takes on Google and Netflix. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

The nation’s ongoing demographic changes signal a “death sentence” for the Republican Party, according to longtime GOP strategist Stuart Stevens.Mitt Romney’s chief strategist for his 2012 presidential campaign, Stevens worked on four other presidential campaigns. He now says the GOP is looking at a demographic tsunami that threatens to wipe out the party and that the current president is making it worse.“I had to sit down when I read that a majority of those who are 15-years-old and under in America are non-white. What’s that going to do to the Republican Party? That’s a death sentence,” he says. Stevens, who is currently serving as a consultant for The Lincoln Project, is the author of “It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump.” He recently joined Bryan Schott as a guest on the “Utah Politics” podcast.He said the current GOP, which he described as a “celebration of white grievance,” is headed down the path of political ruin because of the embrace of nativist and anti-immigration policies by President Donald Trump and his administration.“Political parties in our system should serve as a circuit breaker function, and nobody pulled the circuit breaker on Trump,” he says.Stevens is also worried about Trump’s efforts to undermine and call into doubt the legitimacy of the upcoming election, calling the next few months “the most dangerous period in American history since the Civil War.”

The release of tapes recorded by reporter Bob Woodward revealed President Trump knew more about the dangers of the coronavirus than he led on. Panelists discuss the ramifications, why now these tapes are being released, and how it will affect elections. Max Roth, anchor with Fox13 News, Amy Donaldson, reporter with the Deseret News and co-host of Voices of Reason podcast, and Bryan Schott, podcaster and Managing Editor of UtahPolicy.com join host Jason Perry for this week’s Hinckley Report.

Spencer Stokes of Stokes Strategies joins host Bryan Schott to discuss and bring perspective to the top Utah political news from the last week. Ads both for and against Republican Burgess Owens start airing in the 4th Congressional District race. We discuss how outside groups are working to define who Owens is in the minds of voters. Sen. Mike Lee remains on President Donald Trump’s list of possible Supreme Court Nominees. Lee also tees off on KSL.com for being too liberal and suggesting the LDS Church should sell the news outlet. Everyone is waiting for the audit of the state’s emergency coronavirus spending, but will it have an effect on Spencer Cox’s campaign for governor?Plus, the massive windstorm that ripped through Utah this week, Trump vs. Mitt Romney and what happens in Park City doesn’t stay there.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

Election forecaster Rachel Bitecofer joins Bryan Schott to discuss what she thinks is going to happen in 2020 and how Sen. Mitt Romney's criticism of President Trump shapes political attitudes in Utah. Bitecofer shocked many American political observers when she predicted the “blue wave” in 2018 that ushered Democrats into the majority in the House of Representatives. Her theory was that Democrats were motivated to vote AGAINST Republicans and Donald Trump more than they were motivated by any messaging that came from Democrats. Bitecofer is a Senior Election Fellow at the Niskanen Center and she hosts the “Election Whisperer” show on YouTube, which is a must-watch for political junkies.LINKSRachel Bitecofer on Twitter: @RachelBitecoferElection Whisperer on YouTubeNiskanen Center

Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke joins host Bryan Schott to dissect the latest Utah political headlines.There’s a lot going on in the congressional race between Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Burgess Owens. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy makes a trip to Utah to fundraise for Owens. A multi-million dollar advertising blitz is set to get underway. Does it matter that neither Owens and McAdams live in the district they’re vying to represent? And Owens trashes Mitt Romney over impeachment. Spencer Cox re-emerges as the head of Utah’s coronavirus response and Utah State University responds to an outbreak on campus. Police object to Black Lives Matter in the classroom while cartoonist Pat Bagley courts controversy. America sure could use some empathy from its leaders right about now. Plus, we look ahead to what will be making news next week. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

January 17, 1998 was the day that everything changed for the news business and American politics. That's the day The Drudge Report broke the blockbuster story that President Bill Clinton had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. From that point on, Matt Drudge became one of the most influential voices in American politics.But who is Matt Drudge, and how did he become one of the most powerful, and wealthy, journalists in America? Matthew Lysiak digs into that question and unpacks Drudge’s impact “The Drudge Revolution: The Untold Story of How Talk Radio, Fox News, and a Gift Shop Clerk with an Internet Connection Took Down the Mainstream Media.”He joins Bryan Schott to discuss Matt Drudge and the indelible mark he left on America.Links:Matthew Lysiak on Twitter: @MatthewlysiakThe Drudge ReportThe Drudge Revolution: The Untold Story of How Talk Radio, Fox News, and a Gift Shop Clerk with an Internet Connection Took Down the Mainstream Media.

Former White House counsel John Dean knows what an authoritarian leader looks like. After all, he was a member of the Nixon administration where he played a central role in the Watergate scandal. He says he wrote his new book to help him, and us, understand why President Trump's supporters are not bothered by his authoritarian tendencies.His latest book is called “Authoritarian Nightmare: Trump and his Followers.” In the book, he and his co-author psychologist Bob Altemeyer, dig into Trump’s fervent base of supporters to understand why they are all-in on the Trump train, and why they crave the authoritarian vision of America that Trump offers them.He joins Bryan Schott to discuss why Trump's authoritarian vision of America has taken over the Republican Party, and what it means for American politics. Links:John Dean on Twitter: @JohnWDeanOrder the book here: "Authoritarian Nightmare: Trump and his Followers"

Spencer Stokes joins Bryan Schott on the podcast to wrap up the week in Utah political news.We examine the all virtual Democratic convention. What worked? What didn't? And what will Republicans do in response next week?Burgess Owens is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention. Spencer gives him some unsolicited advice on what he should say.Gov. Gary Herbert and the Utah legislature are at an impasse over the length and scope of emergency declarations due to the coronavirus.Utahns are donating more money to Donald Trump than Joe Biden, but the gap between Republican and Democratic fundraising is not as stark as in years past.Sen. Mike Lee takes some heat for making a joke about coronavirus prevention measures in a classroom. And, Spencer makes a plea to do what you can to help Utah's teachers as they return to the classroom. Subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPandoraPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherPodcast AddictDeezerListen Notes

Political strategist Rick Wilson has found a new life as part of a group of "never Trump" former Republicans who are working to deny President Donald Trump another term in office. Wilson is one of the founders of The Lincoln Project, the group behind a series of television and internet ads that are targeting Trump and his Republican allies in the Senate ahead of the November election.Wilson is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "Running Against the Devil. A Plot to Save America from Trump - and Democrats from Themselves," which has recently been released on paperback. In that book, he offers a blueprint for how Democrats can beat Trump in November. It's also a handy primer for anyone hoping to understand the bare-knuckle nature of our political campaigns. Wilson joins Bryan Schott to discuss his book, why the Lincoln Project ads are so good at getting under Trump's skin and why he thinks Republicans like Sen. Mike Lee will face a political reckoning once Trump is out of office. There's also some discussion of Dungeons and Dragons. Subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPandoraPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherPodcast AddictDeezerListen Notes

Political strategist Rick Wilson has found a new life as part of a group of "never Trump" former Republicans who are working to deny President Donald Trump another term in office. Wilson is one of the founders of The Lincoln Project, the group behind a series of television and internet ads that are targeting Trump and his Republican allies in the Senate ahead of the November election.Wilson is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "Running Against the Devil. A Plot to Save America from Trump - and Democrats from Themselves," which has recently been released on paperback. In that book, he offers a blueprint for how Democrats can beat Trump in November. It's also a handy primer for anyone hoping to understand the bare-knuckle nature of our political campaigns. Wilson joins Bryan Schott to discuss his book, why the Lincoln Project ads are so good at getting under Trump's skin and why he thinks Republicans like Sen. Mike Lee will face a political reckoning once Trump is out of office. There's also some discussion of Dungeons and Dragons. Links:Rick Wilson on Twitter: @TheRickWilsonBuy "Running against the Devil"

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the latest news from around the Utah political universe.Republicans in the Utah Legislature back away from a plan to give tax credits to parents who homeschool their kids during the pandemic. Critics called it a backdoor attempt to create vouchers.Teachers in the Granite School District are worried about returning to class.Time is running out for Jon Huntsman to decide on a write-in campaign for governor. We break down a right-wing, fake news smear against Mitt Romney. The Ben McAdams/Burgess Owens race shifts slightly away from the incumbent. The Republican candidates for Governor dropped $3.7 million on advertising leading up to the June primary election.Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as his running mate, Trump messes with the mail and QAnon comes to Congress.If you have a question for us, send an email to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPandoraPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherPodcast AddictDeezerListen Notes

Scott Howell joins Bryan Schott to discuss the initial primary election results. Spencer Cox is leading over Jon Huntsman. What went wrong for Greg Hughes and Thomas Wright?Burgess Owens will take on Ben McAdams in November. Will he be able to unseat Utah's lone Democrat in Congress?The race for the GOP nod to replace Rob Bishop in Congress is a nail-biter.Lyle Hillyard gets dumped by voters after 40 years in the Utah legislature.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherPodcast AddictDeezerListen Notes

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick break down the important Utah political headlines from the past few days in the Tuesday edition of our podcast.State spending during the coronavirus pandemic is coming under scrutiny.Lawmakers eyeing more special sessions. Most of the legal challenges from candidates seeking to get on the primary ballot are over, but one House candidate is still trying to secure a spot, but a crazy rule from the Weber County GOP could prevent that.Utah is relaxing some coronavirus restrictions.Plus, President Donald Trump claims he's been treated worse than Abraham Lincoln.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Although time has no meaning anymore, Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick bring you the Friday edition of our Utah political news roundup.Utah allows some businesses to re-open as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed.Will the hydroxychloroquine scandal impact the June primary?Jeff Burningham and Jan Garbett sue to get on the primary ballot.Mitt Romney is critical of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.The Republican candidates for governor try out their campaign pitches.Debates suck, but we talk about ways to make them suck less.The Banjo controversy.Voters don't yet favor a change to Utah's school funding model.The death toll from the novel coronavirus passes 60,000 in America.Joe Biden breaks his silence on the Tara Reade allegations.Donald Trump is losing the 2020 election, and he knows it.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

The June primary election lineups are set, mostly. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the top Utah political news headlines.Greg Hughes and Spencer Cox win the Utah GOP convention race for governor.John Swallow's bid to return to Utah politics is snuffed out.Don't think the convention results will give you an indication of how the primary elections will go.Jan Garbett's legal gambit might put her on the June primary ballot for governor.Utah is making moves to reopen some businesses next week.Donald Trump is feeling unloved.The White House plants a ridiculous story about Trump's work habits. Plus, the Navy admits UFOs are real.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the avalanche of recent Utah political news.Legislators complete back-to-back special sessions.$4 billion in federal coronavirus aid.Protections for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.Lawmakers brace for big budget cuts.GOP convention strategyThe state spends a bunch of money on an unproven treatment for coronavirus.A right-wing freakout is responsible for killing proposed legislation.President Trump suggests injecting disinfectant could cure the coronavirus.Unemployment may already be at 20 percent.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick break down the top Utah political news stories.Gov. Herbert and lawmakers are pushing to allow some Utah businesses to open at the beginning of May.The links between coronavirus protests and right-wing wackos.The legislature may provide some legal protections for businesses that reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.Rep. Ben McAdams joins a bipartisan group in Congress in drafting a blueprint for getting America's economy working again.Rep. Brad Daw is ousted by Utah County GOP delegates, while several other incumbents are forced into primary elections.Lawmakers reach a deal with Gov. Herbert on changes to a vetoed special needs scholarship bill. Congress is scrambling to provide more money for small businesses and President Trump says he's shutting down all immigration because of COVID-19.Oil goes negative.Plus, a big scoop that didn't happen.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick wrap up the week's political news.The Utah Legislature and Gov. Gary Herbert want to put the pedal to the metal and get Utah's economy running again. More than 100,000 Utahns have filed for unemployment in recent weeks.Legislators want to curb Gov. Herbert's authority during a public health crisis.The Utah Legislature's online special session is going fairly smooth...so far.No surprise, but Utah schools won't reopen again this year.We break down our polls in the 4th CD race and the Utah Attorney General contest.Mitt Romney gets the "Mean Girls" treatment from the White House.President Trump wanted his own daily talk radio show, and he may try to force Congress to adjourn. Plus, researchers say we may have to continue social distancing measures until 2022.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the latest Utah political news.Legislators will meet in their first-ever online special session later this week. They'll make changes to the budget because of the coronavirus pandemic. They also will try to find ways to get Utah's economy back on track.Republican Jon Huntsman qualified for the primary ballot through signature gathering. How will that affect the vote at the upcoming GOP state convention.GOP governor candidate Jeff Burningham has spent more on advertising than the rest of the field combined, but it doesn't seem to be helping him in the polls.Our polling shows President Donald Trump leading presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by just 5 points in Utah.Trump blasts the media over his coronavirus response and claims to have "total authority" when it comes to restarting the economy.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick wrap up the week's Utah political headlines.Our new poll shows Spencer Cox with a 7 point lead over Jon Huntsman, but Greg Hughes' campaign is beginning to pick up steam. Sen. Mike Lee is endorsing Huntsman's campaign for governor.Gov. Herbert extends his "stay safe, stay home" directive, and announces the state will ask travelers into the state to provide information about their destination and whether they are showing symptoms of coronavirus.Lawmakers are set to hold an online special session next week.Half of Utah voters think the media is overstating the risk from the coronavirus.President Donald Trump wants to re-open the economy next month.Bernie Sanders drops out of the 2020 race.Plus, tips on how you might be able to attract Mike Lee to your house.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the latest Utah political headlines.Lawmakers may not wait on Gov. Gary Herbert to call a special session. Instead, they may convene next week in an online session.House Democrats call on Gov. Gary Herbert to issue a statewide stay at home order because of the coronavirus pandemic, but he may not as Utah appears to be flattening the curve of the outbreak.Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee are out of quarantine after being exposed to the virus, and Rep. Chris Stewart says he wants to make sure any investigation into the coronavirus outbreak isn't designed to embarrass President Donald Trump. We break down our latest poll results about Utahns attitudes about the coronavirus. Plus, we're learning more about how the Trump administration squandered the time they had to prepare for the virus coming to America and Congress is eyeing another trillion-dollar stimulus package.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the latest Utah political headlines.Gov. Gary Herbert says he will call the Utah Legislature into a special session by the end of April so they can grapple with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.Jobless claims spike in Utah because of the outbreak.Utah is teaming up with high-tech companies to test for and track the spread of the virus.Gov. Gary Herbert vetoes a special education scholarship bill. He also vetoes a couple of tax measures because of economic uncertainty.We run down our latest polling that asks Utahns how they are coping with the coronavirus outbreak.The Utah GOP turns to ranked choice voting for their upcoming state convention, which is changing how candidates campaign.Republican Jeff Burningham picks Sen. Dan McCay as his Lt. Governor candidate.President Donald Trump finally seems to grasp the enormity of the coronavirus pandemic, saying between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could die.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

It's time for another pandemitasitc look at the top Utah political news with Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick.Jon Huntsman's campaign could be in big trouble.Gov. Gary Herbert alters some rules for how campaigns gather signatures, but Bob says it doesn't go far enough.Aimee Winder Newton learns the dangers of campaigning online.The coronavirus situation causes more disruption in Utah.A record number of Americans file for unemployment.President Trump wants the country "raring to go" by Easter.If you have a question you'd like answered, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

It's another quarantastic episode as Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick bring you the top Utah political news.The coronavirus pandemic has upended the ability of some candidates to gather signatures. Jon Huntsman says the state should allow electronic signature gathering.Sen. Luz Escamilla announces she has tested positive for coronavirus. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney go into quarantine after exposure to the virus and Ben McAdams ends up in the hospital.A return celebration for LDS missionaries at the Salt Lake City airport causes an uproar.Aimee Winder Newton picks John Dougall as her running mate.Jon Swallow says his corruption trial will make him a better Attorney General.President Donald Trump wants to re-open the economy.Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says "lots of grandparents" would be willing to die in order to save the economy for their grandchildren.If you have a question for Malissa, you can send it to mailbag@utahpolicy.com.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick help you understand the news that shaped another nerve-jangling week in Utah politics.Former Attorney General John Swallow wants his job back.Utah was shaken by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake.Some rural Utah officials say the state is overreacting to the COVID-19 outbreak.Rep. Ben McAdams is the second member of Congress to come down with the coronavirus.Spencer Cox picks Deidre Henderson as his running mate. Does the selection of a running mate mean much in the race for governor?How will Utah political parties navigate holding their conventions online?Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

The country takes major actions to slow the spread of Coronavirus as restaurants, businesses, and schools shutter their doors. Amid a critical moment in the election season, leaders adapt to ensure citizens can engage in the political process. Jennifer Napier-Pearce, editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, Natalie Gochnour, director of Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, and Bryan Schott, podcaster and managing editor of UtahPolicy.com join host Jason Perry for this week’s Hinckley Report.

We're socially isolating because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but the podcast rolls on. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick bring you the latest news from Utah politics.The 2020 Utah Legislature is over. We tie up a few loose ends from Utah's Capitol Hill.The coronavirus is hitting Utah hard. Schools are closed, restaurants are closed to everything but takeout and delivery. How hard will this hit the state's economy?Sen. Mitt Romney proposes giving Americans a check to help them through tough economic times.The economy is dipping into a recession. The Fed goes to zero. Airlines and casinos are grinding to a halt.Joe Biden says he'll pick a woman as his running mate in 2020.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

The 2020 Utah Legislature is done. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick wrap up what happened.Coronavirus is here. We look at the steps the state is taking to stop the spread of the virus. A plan to move the tax filing deadline back because of the virus could cause big problems for Utah's budget.The Utah Republican and Democratic parties are "postponing" their caucus meetings as well as ending the in-person part of their state conventions.We break down the landmark school funding deal between the education community and lawmakers. The legislature is pumping more than $400 million in new money into Utah's schools.The "Better Boundaries" deal wins final approval from lawmakers. Plus, President Trump's terrible coronavirus speech tanks the markets, and Bernie Sanders won't drop out of the race even though he should.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

There's less than a week to go in the 2020 Utah Legislature. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick get you caught up on the fast-moving news from Capitol Hill.Lawmakers debate tax cuts vs. saving money in case of an economic downturn as they unveil the state's $20 billion budget.The legislature is taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.Bills to change how education is funded advance. We discuss the politics surrounding the proposal.The market cratered on Monday because of the coronavirus and an oil price war.President Donald Trump won't stop shaking hands with people.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

There's less than a week to go in the 2020 Utah Legislature. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick give you the latest information as we barrel towards next week's adjournment.Lawmakers want to change the constitution to give them more funding flexibility while providing more budget certainty to education.Will lawmakers cut taxes this year? The coronavirus might derail those plans.Bernie Sanders wins Utah on Super Tuesday but gets thumped pretty much everywhere else.Thomas Wright is the first GOP candidate for governor to qualify for November's ballot.Plus, President Trump seems to think the coronavirus crisis is a messaging problem rather than a public health issue.And, we open up the mailbag!Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the top Utah political news as we careen into the final weeks of the 2020 Utah Legislative session.Lawmakers grapple with the effects the coronavirus could have on the state budget.Super Tuesday hits Utah! We break down how Utah Democrats will award their delegates after Tuesday's vote.The Utah GOP changes the rules of the game as they look to punish signature-gathering candidates.Another Republican looks to jump into the race against Ben McAdams.Plus, the Trump campaign is buying blimps!And, we dig into the mailbag.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Lawmakers and Better Boundaries forge a deal on changes to Utah's independent redistricting commission.The economy is spooking Utah lawmakers who may not pass a tax cut this year.Yet another attempt to undo Utah's signature-gathering path for candidates dies on the Hill.The coronavirus could turn out to be a really big deal as Mitt Romney says the Trump administration is not ready to fight the spread of the illness. Plus, the Trump administration puts a college senior in a key administration position.Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick give you the ins and outs from a wild week in Utah politics.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

We're heading into the home stretch of the 2020 Utah Legislature. Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick help you keep your head above water with all of the big developments.Lawmakers are still negotiating a compromise with Better Boundaries over changes to Prop. 4.The budget is starting to come into focus, but will lawmakers opt for tax relief this year?We ask the GOP gubernatorial candidates whether the legislature should cut taxes.It's not an election-year legislative session without a fight over abortion.Rep. Chris Stewart gets a karmic smackdown.Donald Trump has a hit list of disloyal government employees, and Bernie Sanders thinks America is ready for a nuanced discussion about the Cuban revolution.Plus, historical pasta dishes and Bob does Rogers and Hammerstein dirty.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

It's our 500th episode! Thanks to all our listeners for making this milestone possible!We break another HUGE story as lawmakers move to make changes to the anti-gerrymandering initiative. We break down what's coming and why.The state has a ton of money to spend on education, but not much for everything else.Most Utah voters think lawmakers don't listen to them according to a new poll.The Mitt Romney impeachment vote flares up again.News from the race for Utah governor as one candidate meets the signature requirement, another switches strategies and a new challenger emerges.The intelligence community says Russia is working to help President Donald Trump get re-elected, but Rep. Chris Stewart vociferously disagrees.Mike Bloomberg gets shredded in Las Vegas and we perform a short skit about the Democratic Presidential debate.Bob Bernick and Bryan Schott discuss the important news from the Utah political world.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Lawmakers are feeling the pressure to provide some tax relief in this election year. One idea being discussed is a tax rebate instead of a tax cut.A new poll shows how badly lawmakers failed to make the case for the tax cut they passed then hastily repealed.New revenue projections are due out this week. How will that affect the budgeting process?The move to put Utah's presidential primary on Super Tuesday is paying off big time.Bloomberg's massive presidential campaign. Trump's Daytona 500 tweet blunder.Plus, a rundown of Bryan's former high school teachers who hate him and why he's a really fun guy.Bob Bernick and Bryan Schott get you up to speed on the latest Utah political headlines.Submit your questions for the pod at mailbag@utahpolicy.com. If we use your question, we'll send you one of our limited edition laptop stickers.Let us know what you think about the show. Find out how to leave us a rating and review at RateThisPodcast.com.Follow our social media feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts:iTunesSpotifyPodchaserIHeartRadioTuneInGoogleStitcherAlso available on your favorite podcast app.If you'd like to get your message to Utah's political movers and shakers by sponsoring this podcast, send us an email.

Some Utah voters are concerned about the tax reform bill’s effect on low-income families, businesses, and services. Democrats argue the answer isn’t pushing the reform bill through a special session. Bryan Schott, managing editor at UtahPolicy.com, House Minority Leader Brian King, and Bountiful City Councilwoman Kate Bradshaw join Jason Perry on this week’s Hinckley Report.

Democratic Presidential hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren visits Utah with a message about Bears Ears. Infighting continues at Utah GOP county conventions. And the full but redacted version of the Mueller report is released to the public.   Bryan Schott from Utah Policy, Spencer Stokes from Stokes Strategies, and Michelle Quist from the Salt Lake Tribune join host Jason Perry for this week's show.

Now that Sen. Hatch announced his retirement, what will Mitt Romney do?  The Utah Caucus system is threatened by Count My Vote…or is it?  Immigration issues are central to Federal Government Shutdown talks, and more surprises for the 2018 election. The Deseret News' Lisa Riley Roche, Former State Senator Steve Urquhart, and utahpolicy.com's Bryan Schott join Jason Perry for this week's episode.

On this week's pod:   The Utah GOP drops their lawsuit against SB54. We speak with party chair Rob Anderson about the decision and a possible effort to remove him by the state central committee.   Turnout for Tuesday's election could be dismal. How will that affect the 3rd District special election?   Utah gets a waiver from the feds to expand Medicaid.    Republicans in Congress unveil their tax reform proposal.   Plus, we play the "simultaneous game" and tell you who had the best week and worst week in politics.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you talk politics.

On this week's pod: Candidates are already being discussed for the 2020 gubernatorial election. Republican Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake stands up to President Donald Trump, but does it really matter? Is political correctness ruining Halloween? We speak with Salt Lake County GOP Chairman Jake Parkinson about his call for District Attorney Sim Gill to step down for mishandling the Gary Ott investigation. Plus, the simultaneous game and best week/worst week. Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you talk politics. 

On this week's pod:    Ben McAdams is challenging Mia Love in 2018. How serious of a threat is his candidacy to the two-term Republican?   Who won the 3rd District debate on Wednesday night? Did it matter?   We speak with Boyd Matheson, President of the Sutherland Institute, who is mulling a run for US Senate in 2018.   Plus, the simultaneous game and "Best Week/Worst Week."   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you talk politics.

This week on the podcast:   Steve Bannon wants to find a challenger for Sen. Orrin Hatch next year.   The Boy Scouts are going to allow girls to join.   Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson unloads on current Mayor Jackie Biskupski   Mia Love's campaign is gearing up for a possible challenge from Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams.   The opposition to Our Schools Now is ramping up.   A State School Board member takes a shot at Alexander Hamilton.   We speak with John Curtis, the Republican candidate in November's special Congressional election. His opponent, Kathie Allen, makes a huge unforced error on social media.   Plus, the "simultaneous game" and "best week/worst week."   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you talk politics.

Mia Love may get a challenge in 2018 from Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams.  Will the Las Vegas massacre change the gun debate in America? Our guest this week is 3rd CD candidate Jim Bennett from the United Utah Party. Plus, the "Simultaneous game" and "Best week/Worst week." Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

On this week's podcast: Count My Vote is back. Ben Shapiro speaks at the University of Utah. Salt Lake City wrestles with Columbus Day. Research shows Donald Trump voters don't care that he's not consistent. Donald Trump ensures that you'll be talking about the national anthem during Thanksgiving dinner this year. Democrat Kathie Allen joins us to talk about her underdog campaign for CD3. Plus, the "Simultaneous game" and "Best Week/Worst Week." Bryan Schott and Mike Winder bring you hardcore politics for political nerds.

Count My Vote returns. That initiative could dramatically change Utah politics. Lawmakers pass bills to enable Operation Rio Grande. Donald Trump speaks to the U.N. and sees his poll numbers start to rise. We talk with Stan Lockhart with National Popular Vote Utah about the effort to get around the Electoral College as a way to elect presidents. Plus, we debut our new segment: "Best week/Worst week" where we discuss who had the best and worst week in politics. Bryan Schott and Mike Winder offer up hardcore politics for political nerds and make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

This week on the podcast: Mitt Romney wants to run for the Senate if Sen. Orrin Hatch steps down. Count My Vote is back to kill the caucus/convention system. GOP Chair Rob Anderson is flying into some political turbulence. Jon Huntsman is finally heading to Washington for his confirmation hearings to be ambassador to Russia. "Dealmaking Don" continues to confound Congressional Republicans by making deals with Democrats. Sen. Orrin Hatch pulls off a stunner by introducing legislation to study the benefits of medical marijuana. Plus, the "Simultaneous game."   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you're discussing politics.  

President Donald Trump rolled his own party in Congress this week by making a deal with Democrats. Does this portend stormy weather in Washington going forward?   President Trump also announced he was ending a program designed to shield the children of undocumented workers from being deported. We talk with one of those DREAMers, Ciriac Alvarez. She has lived in Salt Lake City for 17 years, graduated from the University of Utah and has a full-time job. What are her hopes and fears as Congress gets ready to tackle the thorny subject of immigration?   Plus, a government shutdown, immigration reform, and Jackie Biskupski in this week's "simultaneous game."   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics. We talk about the dumb reactions from the left and the right to the devastation happening in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. This is a perfect example of why we can't have a constructive conversation about politics in this country. Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski has bungled the response to the homelessness crisis in downtown, prompting the state to step in and fix it for her. Will she pay a political price? We speak with Bob Marquardt of "Our Schools Now" about their effort to convince voters to raise their own taxes to better fund education in Utah. Plus, we play the simultaneous game.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is recommending the reduction of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. What's the endgame? Why is this such a legislative priority.   Sen. Orrin Hatch is putting off a decision about his political future. We discuss why that helps him and possibly hurts those who want to run for his seat.   We talk with Rich McKeown of Count My Vote about the likelihood that they'll re-launch their ballot initiative next year to eliminate the caucus/convention system for getting on the ballot.   Plus, the "simultaneous game" chews over a possible government shutdown.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

John Curtis is the GOP nominee in Utah's 3rd District. We break down why he won and what's next as we turn to November's special election.  We also speak with Danny Laub, Curtis' campaign manager about how he approached the three-way GOP primary race and how negative ads may have impacted that election. Julie Dole is no longer the Salt Lake County Recorder as Republicans picked Adam Gardiner to fill the vacancy in that office.  We try to make sense of Donald Trump's insane press conference from earlier this week. Plus, we're still giving away copies of CNN's book about the 2016 election. Listen to see how you can enter to win a copy. Bryan Schott and Mike Winder help make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

Bryan Schott and Mike Winder once again make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.   Negative campaigning is taking over the GOP primary in Utah's 3rd Congressional District. How much of an effect will it have on next week's election?   Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un are working out their collective daddy issues, but it could lead to the end of human civilization.    Mike points out how having Trump in the White House has boosted the economy, but Bryan tries to throw cold water over all of that.   We speak with Justin Anderson of U.S. Term Limits about their plans to push for an Article V Convention to institute term limits on Congress.   We're giving away copies of the CNN book about the 2016 election: "Unprecedented: The election that changed everything." Find out how you can win. (Click here to enter)   Plus, as always, the simultaneous game!

Time to make you the smartest person in the room.   Ballot problems in two counties for the GOP congressional primary this year have the conspiracy theorists in overdrive. Will those problems have an effect on the outcome of the election?   Polls show Utahns do not want Sen. Orrin Hatch to run for a third term. We explain why the "will he or won't he" game the Senator is playing with his re-election is freezing the field for next year and giving him an opportunity to have an impact on what happens next year even if he doesn't run.   We speak with Speaker of the Utah House Greg Hughes about his efforts to quell the lawlessness surrounding the homeless population in downtown Salt Lake City. Why is it taking a legislator who lives in Draper to finally get moving on the homeless problem?   Plus, we play the simultaneous game.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder give you both sides of the argument on the big issues in Utah politics from the last week.    

The GOP primary in CD3 is heating up. Outside groups are pounding Provo Mayor John Curtis with ads, mailers and websites. Will they have an effect?    The 7-year-long Republican effort to repeal Obamacare went down in flames. Can anybody govern in Washington anymore?   Anthony Scaramucci blows up the political media.   We talk with Salt Lake County GOP Chair Jake Parkinson about how they're going to replace Gary Ott and the investigation into Julie Dole.   We play the simultaneous game.   Plus, an epic burn on Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.       

The sad Gary Ott situation is finally coming to a close. Who will replace the Salt Lake County Recorder, whose mental fitness has been called into question, after he steps down?   Is Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, a health care hero or a villain?   Democrat Jenny Wilson jumps into the 2018 Senate race. We talk to her about her candidacy and whether she considers herself part of "the Resistance" to Donald Trump's presidency.   Former Governor Jon Huntsman is finally going to be nominated to become ambassador to Russia. Will his confirmation be a smooth one?   Plus, we play the "simultaneous game."   And, Mike returns to the show with a great AC/DC reference.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

Donald Trump, Jr., son of the President, pulled one of the stupidest moves in the history of American politics when he attempted to collude with the Russian government. We break down the politics surrounding the latest Russia revelations.    Rep. Chris Stewart is our guest this week on the podcast. The Republican says the latest Russia developments are quite troubling, but any talk of impeachment is premature. The congressman also discusses the threat of North Korea and the complexities of dealing with China, plus a cyber threat that not many are talking about.    Our Schools Now is pushing to get on the 2018 ballot with a tax hike to better fund schools, but are they being honest in how they're presenting their proposition?    A pro-liquor group offends everybody in Utah in their effort to attack the state's new DUI law.    We play the "simultaneous game," including a touching tribute to Donny and Marie.    Plus, we remember Wade Farraway of the Attorney General's office, who passed away unexpected this week.        State Auditor John Dougall joins Bryan Schott on this week's show.       

This week, State Auditor John Dougall fills in for Rep. Mike Winder, who is on vacation.    Gordon Hayward spurned Utah for Boston. Lots of people think that will hurt Tanner Ainge's political campaign. We'll tell you why those people are wrong.   Speaking of Tanner Ainge, the Republican joins us this week to talk about his run for Congress. He says he would tackle entitlement reform as a representative and wants to curb excessive government spending.   Senator Orrin Hatch is raising money hand over fist. But does that mean he's going to run for another term in 2018 or is it part of building his post-politics legacy?   Utah is refusing to turn over some voter information to President Donald Trump's commission that is looking to root out voter fraud. We explain why that's a good thing.   Plus fireworks and medical marijuana in the simultaneous game.   Bryan Schott and John Dougall make you the smartest person in the room when it comes to politics.

President Donald Trump may have finally crossed a political line with his tweet attacking MSNBC's Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski. The outrage came swiftly from both Democrats and Republicans, but these constant distractions from the White House are killing any chance Republicans have of getting things done in Washington.   Rep. Jason Chaffetz is leaving Congress for Fox News. What will he be remembered for by Utahns, and when will he start laying the groundwork for a run for governor in 2020?   We speak with Provo Mayor John Curtis, who is the frontrunner to win the GOP nomination in the August 15 primary election. What kind of Congressman will he aspire to be if he wins?   Plus, the "simultaneous game" takes on healthcare reform, the special congressional election and this year's municipal elections.   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you talk about politics.

This week, Mike and Bryan look at how the special election in Utah's 3rd Congressional District is a game-changer for Utah politics.    We talk with GOP Chair Rob Anderson about his efforts to dig the Republican Party out of debt.   We explain why everybody needs to calm down about the special election in Georgia.   Plus, as always, the "simultaneous game."   Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics.

The Utah political landscape has changed dramatically! There could be 3 republicans on the August primary ballot in Utah's 3rd Congressional District as John Curtis and Tanner Ainge have secured their spot.  Will Congress change after the tragic shooting at a baseball practice this week? We're joined by outgoing Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon who leaves office this week. What has changed, if anything, under his leadership? Plus, we answer questions about Gary Ott, Jim Dabakis and partisan fighting in this week's "simultaneous game."  Plus, Shakespeare! Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics. 

There are an astonishing number of Republican candidates in the race to succeed Jason Chaffetz. Mike Winder and Bryan Schott break down what they need to do to get to the primary election and beyond.    Jim Bennett is the candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District for the newly formed United Utah Party. Does Utah need a new political party? Jim joins Mike and Bryan to talk about why they do and why he's the man to run.    Newly elected Utah GOP Chairman Rob Anderson has a daunting task to dig the party out of a huge financial hole. Will he be able to do it?    Plus, Bryan and Mike play the "simultaneous game."   

"Liberal media" representative Bryan Schott and "common sense conservative" Rep. Mike Winder chew on the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Why did President Donald Trump do it? Are liberals being hypocritical in their condemnation of the action? Will it have a chilling effect on the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election? Also, who might replace Comey? Utah Republicans get ready to select a new party chair. Plus, the latest on Rep. Jason Chaffetz's future in Congress and picking his replacement, whether the Utah Transit Authority will get more funding, and we finish with the "simultaneous game."

In our very first episode, Bryan Schott and Rep. Mike Winder offer a prognosis following the House vote on health care. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is coming to Utah to visit Bears Ears and Grand Staircase. Is either national monument in trouble? There may or may not (but likely will) be a special election coming up to replace republican Jason Chaffetz in Congress. Who should set the rules for that election? Will democrats be left out? Utah's schools are caught up in a teacher salary "arms race" to attract and retain teachers. The fallout from the University of Utah health care imbroglio results in a black eye for the Salt Lake Tribune, one of the state's biggest newspapers. Rep. Winder discusses his proposal to turn the Jordan River into a state park. Plus, we play a political "simultaneous game." 

Exxon Mobil’s CEO is now the Secretary of State. The Koch Brothers’ Congressman is the CIA Director. We’ve already seen signs that the Trump Administration and the fossil fuel industry are merging. In this episode, hear the highlights of the confirmation hearings of the two men now most responsible for environmental law enforcement in the United States: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt. Will they protect the environment from the fossil fuel industry or did President Trump appoint foxes to guard the henhouse? Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD144: Trump's War Manufacturers Additional Reading Article: Trump's EPA is reconsidering a rule that limits mercury from power plants by Samantha Page, Think Progress, April 19, 2017. Article: 'Like a slow death': families fear pesticide poisoning after Trump reverses ban by Sam Levin, The Guardian, April 17, 2017. News Release: EPA Launches Back-To-Basics Agenda at Pennsylvania Coal Mine, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 13, 2017. Op-Ed: Now we know Scott Pruitt isn't serious about fighting smog by Jack Lienke, Grist, April 12, 2017. Article: What's at Stake in Trump's Proposed E.P.A. Cuts by Hiroko Tabuchi, The New York Times, April 10, 2017. Article: Federal Judge Orders Supplemental EIS For Nevada Sage Grouse Plan by Richard Nemec, Natural Gas Intel, April 6, 2017. Article: E.P.A. Chief, Rejecting Agency's Science, Chooses Not to Ban Insecticide by Eric Lipton, The New York Times, March 29, 2017. Article: Herbert pushing for Interior Secretary Zinke to visit Utah and Bear Ears by Bryan Schott, UtahPolicy.com, March 27, 2017. Press Release: Interior Department Auctions Over 122,000 Acres Offshore Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for Wind Energy Development, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 16, 2017. Press Release: Secretary Zinke Issues Lease for 56 Million Tons of Coal in Central Utah, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 15, 2017. Article: Zinke pledges big changes at Department of the Interior by Rob Chaney, Missoulian, March 10, 2017. Press Release: Secretary Zinke Announces Proposed 73-Million Acre Oil and Natural Gas Lease Sale for Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 6, 2017. Article: Fate of Bears Ears in question as Senate confirms Montana Rep. Zinke as Interior secretary by Thomas Burr, The Salt Lake Tribune, March 1, 2017. Article: Oklahoma's earthquake threat now equals California's because of man-made temblors, USGS says by Rong-Gong Lin II, The Los Angeles Times, March 1, 2017. Article: Thousands of emails detail EPA head's close ties to fossil fuel industry by Brady Dennis and Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, February 22, 2017. Article: Scott Pruitt makes it clear that the Clean Power Plan is going away by Natasha Geiling, Think Progress, February 19, 2017. Article: Utah Representative Wants Bears Ears Gone And He Wants Trump To Do It by Kirk Siegler, NPR, February 5, 2017. Article: Good Question: What Exactly Is The Dakota Access Pipeline? by Heather Brown, CBS Minnesota, January 24, 2017. Document: State of the Air 2016 by The American Lung Association Article: Obama Designates Atlantic, Artic Areas Off-Limits To Offshore Drilling by Merrit Kennedy, NPR, December 20, 2016. Article: Ryan Zinke, Donald Trump's Pick for Interior Secretary, and the Rising American Land Movements by Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, December 16, 2016. Press Release: Interior Department Announces Final Rule to Reduce Methane Emissions & Wasted Gas on Public, Tribal Lands, U.S. Department of the Interior, November 15, 2016. Article: Incumbent Ryan Zinke says security, jobs, health care top priorities by Holly Michels, Montana Standard, October 14, 2016. Article: Obama announces moratorium on new federal coal leases by Joby Warrick and Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post, January 15, 2016. Article: With Only $93 Billion in Profits, the Big Five Oil Companies Demand to Keep Tax Breaks by Daniel J. Weiss and Miranda Peterson, Center for American Progress, February 10, 2014. References Encyclopedia Britannica: Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 Fact Sheet: Methane and Waste Prevention Rule, US Department of the Interior U.S. Energy Information Administration: Natural Gas Overview U.S. Energy Information Administration: U.S. Energy Mapping System Environmental Protection Agency: EPA History Environmental Protection Agency: California Greenhouse Gas Waiver Request Environmental Protection Agency: Order denying petition to revoke tolerances for the pesticide chlorpyrifos GovTrack: On the Nomination PN31: Ryan Zinke, of Montana, to be Secretary of the Interior GovTrack: H.R. 5259 (114th): Certainty for States and Tribes Act Overview OpenSecrets: Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Summary OpenSecrets: Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Career Profile Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Interior Secretary Confirmation - Ryan Zinke, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, January 17, 2017. Part 1 Part 2 Timestamps & Transcripts Part 1 42:54 Senator Lisa Murkowski: Will you commit to a formal review of all of the Obama administration’s actions that took resource-bearing lands and waters in Alaska effectively off the table, including the decisions that specifically prevented the leasing of those lands and those waters for development, and determine whether or not they can be reversed? Ryan Zinke: Yes. I think the president-elect has said that we want to be energy independent. As a former Navy Seal, I think I’ve been to 63 countries in my lifetime, and I can guarantee it is better to produce energy domestically under [missing audio] than watch it be produced overseas with no regulation. I’ve seen the consequences of what happens when you don’t have any regulation in the Middle East. We can do it right. The backbone of our environmental policies has been NEPA, and I’m a strong supporter of NEPA, but we also have to understand that we need an economy. And, look, if we don’t have an economy as a country, then the rest of it doesn’t matter, because we’re not going to be able to afford a strong military, nor are we going to be able to afford to keep the promises we’ve made as a great nation; and we’ve made a lot of promises to education, to our children’s future, to infrastructure, to Social Security; all that takes an economy that’s moving forward, and energy is a part of that economy, and Alaska is a critical part of that economy. Alaska’s different for a reason: you are blessed with great resources, you are blessed with great recreation—a little cold in the winter, but it’s not Palm Springs. Murkowski: You’re from Montana. You can handle it. Zinke: We can handle it. But, yes, I think we need to be prudent. And always, I think we need to review things to make sure we’re doing it right because over time the government keeps on getting bigger and bigger, the bureaucracy gets larger and larger, and we can’t get something done. 53:12 Senator John Hoeven: Also in North Dakota, we’ve had a real challenge with the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. You and I talked about it. State and local law enforcement has worked very hard to keep the peace and to keep people safe, but we need federal law-enforcement help as well, and so in your case, that’s going mean BIA law enforcement. And, so, my question is, if you’re confirmed, will you ensure that BIA law enforcement works with state and local law enforcement to resolve the situation, to keep people safe, and to make sure that the rule of law is followed? Ryan Zinke: Yes, sir. And we talked about it in your office, and if confirmed, I’m going to be a very busy man, travelling. I’m going to travel to Utah, travel to Alaska, and travel to North Dakota. Those are three impending problems that we need to resolve quickly. I have great respect for the Indian nations. I’m adopted Assiniboine. Last time the Sioux Nations all got together, I would say General Custer probably would say that was not a good issue. So, you look at this, and there is deep cultural ties, there is a feeling that we haven’t been a fair consultant, a fair partner, and so I think we need to listen to that voice. 57:45 Senator Bernie Sanders: President-elect Trump has suggested—more than suggested—stated in his view that climate change is a “hoax.” Now I know that you’re not here to be administrator of the EPA or secretary of the Energy, but the issue of climate change is in fact very important for issues that the Department of Interior deals with. Is President-elect Trump right? Is climate change a hoax? Ryan Zinke: I can give you—the best answer is three things: First of all, climate is changing. That’s indisputable. I’m from Glacier National Park, and I’ve seen— Sanders: You don’t have any more glaciers there, huh? Zinke: Well—and I’ve seen glaciers over the period of my time recede. Matter of fact, when my family and I have eaten lunch on Grinnell Glacier, the glacier has receded during lunch. Sanders: All right. But I have—if you could— Zinke: Yeah. Sanders: —is the president-elect right? Is climate change a hoax? Zinke: Well, if I can give you two more points— Sanders: Okay. Zinke: —I’ll make it short. The second thing is man has had an influence. I don’t think—I think that’s indisputable as well. So, climate is changing, man is an influence. I think where there’s debate on it is what that influence is, what can we do about it, and as the Department of Interior, I will inherit, if confirmed, the USGS. We have great scientists there. I’m not a climate-scientist expert, but I can tell you I will become a lot more familiar with it, and it’ll be based on objective science. I don’t believe it’s a hoax; I believe we should— Sanders: You do not believe it's a hoax. Zinke: No. I believe we should be prudent to be prudent. That means I don’t know definitively; there’s a lot of debate on both sides of the aisle— Sanders: Well, actually, there’s not a whole lot of debate now. The scientific community is virtually unanimous that climate change is real and causing devastating problems. There is the debate on this committee but not within the scientific community. 59:40 Senator Bernie Sanders: If climate change is already causing devastating problems, should we allow fossil fuel to be drilled on public lands? Ryan Zinke: Again, we need an economy and jobs, too. And I, in my experience, have probably seen 63 different countries. I’ve seen what happens when you don’t have regulated— Sanders: I’m taking your—I don’t mean to be rude, but this is not a whole lot—I’m taking your answer to be yes, we should allow fossil fuel to be drilled on public lands. Zinke: I’m an all-the-above energy, and I want to be honest with you—I’m all the above. Sanders: Will you encourage wind and solar on public lands? Zinke: I will encourage, absolutely, wind and sol—all the above. Sanders: Okay. Zinke: So I think that’s the better solution going forward is all-the-above energy. 1:00:40 Ryan Zinke: I want to be clear in this point: I am absolutely against transfer or sale of public land. 1:39:40 Senator John Barrasso: The war on coal: it is real for communities across the West, including Wyoming, including Montana; it’s devastated small towns, ultimately threatens our country’s energy security. If confirmed, will you commit to ending this moratorium on federal coal leasing? Ryan Zinke: The war on coal, I believe, is real. I have Decker, Montana, in my area, and behind me is a gentleman that works in the coal mines of the Crow Agency, which, by the way, the Crow Agency, if you were to take coal out of the picture, the unemployment rate would probably in the 90 percent. So they’re very keen on making sure they have their jobs and we give them the ability for self-determination. The moratorium, I think, was an example of many, is that one size fits all. It was a view from Washington and not a view from the states, particularly if you’re a state such as Wyoming, parts of Montana, West Virginia, where coal’s important. So overall, the president-elect has made a commitment to end “ the war on coal.” I think we should be smart on how we approach our energy. “All the above” is a correct policy. Coal is certainly a great part of our energy mix. To your point, I’m also a great believer that we should invest in the research and development, particularly on coal, because we know we have the asset. Let’s work together to make it cleaner, better. We should be leading the world in clean-energy technology, and I’m pretty confident that coal can be a part of that. 1:41:36 Senator John Barrasso: With the use of the Congressional Review Act, and I’m planning introducing a disapproval resolution on the BLM’s venting and flaring rule. To me that rule far exceeds the authority of the BLM, will ultimately put federal lands at a greater competitive disadvantage to state and private lands. Will you support our efforts to reverse this rule under the Congressional Review Act? Ryan Zinke: Yes, and I think what the driving force is is we’re venting a lot, and we’re wasting energy. And that is troubling to me, is that the amount of venting in North Dakota alone almost exceeds what we get out of the fields. So, a lot of the wasting can be approached by having an infrastructure. So let us build a system where we capture that energy that is otherwise being wasted. And that’s an enormous opportunity. It’s an enormous opportunity, our natural gas and geopolitically as well. We haven’t talked a lot about overseas, but energy is so critically important. If we want to check Russia, then let’s do it with liquid natural gas. If we want to put pressure on Iran, then let’s supplant every drop of Iranian crude. This is all part of a larger package, and it cannot be done without the great state of Wyoming and their assets, or Alaska. But we have to think globally on it, and it is better—and I’ve said this once before—but it is better to produce energy in America under reasonable regulation and get better over time than watch it be produced overseas with no regulation. That is indisputable. 1:43:23 Senator John Barrasso: And I want to talk about sage grouse management plans. The administration has ignored input from key stakeholders, including Western governors during the development of their plans, plans which were used to justify [missing audio] unwarranted status under the Endangered Species Act. But at the core, the plans fundamentally oppose the multiple-use mandates of the BLM, which includes grazing, recreation, energy development. Will you commit to returning conservation and management authority of the sage grouse back to the states in preventing this top-down mandate like this in the future? Ryan Zinke: My understanding is the sage grouse decision is going to come before the Department of Interior some time in March. I understand there’s going to be options and alternatives, proposed alternatives. I will work with you when I see those documents, and I’ll work with all of you when I see those documents, to make sure we’re doing the right thing. What concerns me about sage grouse is there’s no target number. I’m not sure how you can manage without a number. If we just grab a management of property without a number, I look at that with a suspect eye. So I think we’ve got to look at, everyone loves sage grouse, everyone understands that we have to protect the species, and generally those living in the ground are in a better position, and we should be an advocate and a partner in this rather than heavy-handed and just dictate terms, particularly when we don’t have a number. 2:33:40 Senator Mazie Hirono: In the discussion about energy, you’ve said a number of times that you support “all of the above,” which sounds really great except that in “all of the above,” what’s happened is that the fossil-fuel side of energy has gotten a lot of support over decades. So I hope that when you say “all of the above” that you will also be committed to providing more resources and support, particularly R&D for alternative and renewables, aside from, or in addition to, fossil fuels. So we need to have a more-level playing field for policies that truly reflect support for “all of the above.” Ryan Zinke: Yeah. I’ve always been a strong proponent on the record for research and development of different technologies, different innovations, different opportunities in this complete spectrum of the energy to include looking at traditional sources to make sure we’re better at doing that, you know, certainly horizontal drilling, fracking— Hirono: Yeah. Zinke: —coal. But “all the above” I think is the right approach. And when it comes out of the test tube and into fielding, energy needs to be affordable, reliable, and abundant. Part 2 12:15 Ryan Zinke: On the Gateway Pacific Terminal, what I raised my eyebrow on is I didn’t take a position, whether yes or no, on the Terminal. I took a position to make sure the NEPA process was followed and the EIS was completed before making a judgment. What I found was we were close to ending the NEPA process, with the EIS, after years and millions of dollars were spent on it, and then that was truncated and stopped by affidavits—and I didn’t judge whether the affidavits from the tribe were true or not true—if you don’t finish the NEPA process and don’t finish an EIS, and then all of a sudden that process can be interrupted and a permit can be pulled on the basis of something outside the EIS, why would you ever consent to spend millions of dollars on an EIS? That was my objection. And I don’t mean to speak for Senator Daines. Senator Maria Cantwell: So, you believe in the tribal sovereignty of the Lummi tribe to object in this case. Zinke: They certainly had every right to object as well as, in this case, the Crows, who also have a treaty obligation. 15:06 Senator Steve Daines: You have been a champion fighting on behalf of the Crow tribes, as you mentioned here in that last exchange, their sovereign right to develop their coal resources. And as you said in your testimony, the unemployment rate in Crow country will go north of 90 percent if they lose those jobs. Hearing: EPA Administrator Confirmation - Scott Pruitt, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, January 18, 2017. Part 1 Part 2 Timestamps & Transcripts Part 1 01:30 Chairman John Barrasso: Good morning. I call this hearing to order. We have a quite a full house today. I welcome the audience. This is a formal Senate hearing, and in order to allow the committee to conduct its business, we’ll maintain decorum. That means if there are disorders, demonstrations, by a member of the audience, the person causing the disruption will be escorted from the room by the Capitol Police. 22:50: Senator Jim Inhofe: Yes, as attorney general, Scott Pruitt has fought the EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the oil companies, and the out-going administration on many fronts, but all of these suits were brought to protect state and local interests from overzealous and activist executive agencies. Over the last eight years, the Obama administration has advanced a radical environmental agenda, has exhibited a deep distrust of state governments and private land owners, and has worked to obstruct the fossil-fuel industry and agriculture producers, the most-ardent protectors of the environment. 29:52 Scott Pruitt: I would lead the EPA with the following principles in mind: First, we must reject as a nation that false paradigm that if you’re pro-energy, you’re anti-environment; and if you’re pro-environment, you’re anti-energy. I really reject that narrative. In this nation we can grow our economy, harvest the resources God has blessed us with, while also being good stewards of the air, land, and water by which we’ve been favored. It is not an either-or proposition. Next, we should celebrate the great progress we’ve made as a nation since the inception of the EPA and the laws that have been passed by this body, but recognize that we have much work to do. Third, rule of law matters. Process matters. It inspires confidence in those that are regulated. The law is static, not transient. Regulators are supposed to make things regular, to fairly and equitably enforce the rules and not pick winners and losers. A regulator should not be for or against any sector of our economy; instead, a regulator ought to follow the law in setting up the rules so that those who are regulated can plan, allocate resources, to meet the standards versus operating in a state of uncertainty and duress. Fourth, federalism matters. It matters because Congress says so. And because we need to achieve good outcomes as a nation for air and water quality, we need the partnership of the states to achieve that. It is our state regulators who oftentimes best understand the local needs and the uniqueness of our environmental challenges, plus our state regulators possess the resources and expertise to enforce our environmental laws. Fifth, public participation is key. We need to hear all voices as we make decisions in behalf of our country with respect to environmental laws. 39:07 Senator Tom Carper: In 2011 the EPA required dirty coal power plants to clean up mercury and air toxic emissions by issuing the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule. This rule will reduce the mercury, a neurotoxin that contaminates our streams and our oceans, pollutes our fish, and harms our children’s health. As attorney general, I believe you’ve been part of at least 14 legal cases against the EPA, and at least three of these cases against the EPA’s rules, to reduce mercury emissions from power plants. Is that correct? Just yes or no. Scott Pruitt: Senator, we have been involved in litigation around the MATS rule. Carper: Is that correct? Yes or no. Pruitt: As I indicated, yes, we’ve been a part of litigation involving the MATS rule. Carper: Thank you. It’s my understanding that at least one of these cases against the mercury rule is still pending. Is that correct? Just yes or no. Pruitt: I believe so, Senator, yes. Carper: Thank you. 43:40 Senator Jim Inhofe: I’m glad you brought up this thing about the Clean Air Act. The amendments from 1990, I was one of the cosponsors, it’s been incredibly successful. I mean, you mentioned that we’ve reduced those pollutants by 63 percent, but what you didn’t add was that it is in spite of the fact that we had 153 percent increase in our economic activity. That’s a major thing. 48:52 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: In Rhode Island, we have bad air days, and because of EPA’s work, there are fewer and fewer. A bad air day is a day when people driving into work hear on the radio that ozone from out-of-state smokestacks has made the air in Rhode Island dangerous and that infants and the elderly and people with breathing difficulties should stay home on an otherwise beautiful day. Because those smokestacks are out of state, we need EPA to protect us, and I see nothing in your record that would give a mom taking her child to the hospital for an asthma attack any comfort that you would take the slightest interest in her. And your passion for devolving power down to states doesn’t help us, because our state regulators can’t do anything about any of those problems; they all come from out-of-state sources. 49:45 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: One of the things I’d like to ask you about here is the connection between you and some of these fossil-fuel companies. These are some of the companies that have supported you. These are some of the political organizations that you’ve raised money for. You’ve raised money for them for Pruitt for Attorney General, correct? Scott Pruitt: Yes, sir. I have a campaign committee for that, yes. Whitehouse: And Devon Energy, Koch Industries, ExxonMobil have all maxed out to that account. Pruitt: I’m not aware— Whitehouse: At various times. Pruitt: —if they maxed out or not, Senator, but I’m sure they’ve given to that committee. Whitehouse: Oklahoma Strong PAC is your leadership PAC? Pruitt: It was, yes. Whitehouse: It was? And, similarly, they gave money, they maxed out to that organization as well, which you controlled? Pruitt: I’m unsure about that, Senator. Whitehouse: Okay. But they contributed to it. Pruitt: I’m even unsure about that as well. I haven’t looked at that. Whitehouse: You closed your super PAC, Liberty 2.0, but that took fossil-fuel contributions as well, correct? Pruitt: That particular entity has been closed, yes. Whitehouse: Now, you helped raise money for the Republican Attorney General’s Association. While you were a member of its executive committee, they received $530,000 from Koch Industries, $350,000 from Murray Energy, $160,000 from ExxonMobil, and $125,000 from Devon Energy, the company whose letter you transposed onto your letterhead and sent as an Oklahoma attorney general document. 1:11:57 Senator Jeff Merkley: Over a number of years, information started pouring into EPA that the estimate of the amount of fugitive methane escaping in gas and oil drilling had been deeply underestimated. In 2011 the EPA put out its best estimates based on the information that was being presented. And this is relevant because methane is a global-warming gas, more potent than CO2. Gas companies didn’t like this because, well, it presented a vision of natural gas being more damaging environmentally than folks had previously understood. Devon Energy is one of the groups that sought to cast doubt on this scientific information, and it came to you to be their spokesperson, and they asked, will you be our mouthpiece in casting doubt and send a letter we have drafted to the EPA, and you sent that letter. And I just want to ask, first, are you aware that methane is approximately 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a global-warming gas? Scott Pruitt: I am, Senator. It’s— Merkley: Thank you. Pruitt: —the impact on human health— Merkley: That’s the answer. Yes. Thank you. It’s a yes-no question. And on a one to 10 scale, how concerned are you about the impacts of fugitive methane in driving global warming? Pruitt: Methane, as you indicated, has— Merkley: One to 10 scale. Highly, 10, very concerned; or one, not so concerned? Pruitt: The quantities of methane in the atmosphere compared to CO2 is less, but it’s far more potent, and it is— Merkley: Are you concerned? I’m asking about your level of concern. Pruitt: Yes, yes. Merkley: Highly concerned? Pruitt: I'm concerned. Merkley: Thank you. 1:13:34 Senator Jeff Merkley: Do you acknowledge sending this letter to the EPA in October 2011? Pruitt: Senator, that is a letter that’s on my letterhead that was sent to the EPA, yes, with respect to the issue. Merkley: You acknowledge that 97 percent of the words in that letter came directly from Devon Energy? Pruitt: I have not looked at the percentages, Senator. Merkley: The statement that’s been analyzed many times is that all of the 1,016 words, except for 37 words, were written directly by Devon Energy. Pruitt: Senator, that was a step that was taken as attorney general representing the interest of our state. Over 25 percent of our— Merkley: Yeah, so, I didn’t ask that question. I was just asking if you copied the letter virtually word for word. You have acknowledged that, yes, it’s in the record, people can count it, is correct. All right, so, a public office is about serving the public. There is a public concern over the impact of methane on global warming. There is scientific research showing that it’s far more devastating than anticipated and far more is leaking than—but you used your office as a direct extension of an oil company rather than a direct extension of the interests of the public health of the people of Oklahoma. Do you acknowledge that you presented a private oil company’s position rather than a position developed by the people of Oklahoma? Pruitt: Senator, with respect, I disagree. The efforts that I took as attorney general were representing the interests of the state of Oklahoma. Merkley: Earlier you said you— Pruitt: And there was a concern about— Merkley: No, no, excuse me. I’m asking the questions. You said earlier you listen to everyone. In drafting this letter, you took an oil company’s position, and then, without consulting people who had diverse views about the impact, you sent it off. How can you present that as representing the people of Oklahoma when you simply only consulted an oil company to push its own point of view for its private profit? Pruitt: Senator, there’s an obligation the EPA has to follow processes as established by this body. The cost-benefit analysis under Section 112 is something that they have to engage in. There was a concern about the overestimated percentages that the EPA put in the record—it was a record-based challenge—that was the expression of the letter to the EPA, and it was representing the interests of an industry in the state of Oklahoma— Merkley: Thank you. Pruitt: —not a company, an industry. Merkley: So, my question was, what other groups—environmental groups or other groups—did you consult so that you had that full perspective before representing simply a for-profit oil company using your official office and your official letterhead? Pruitt: There—I consulted with other environmental officials in Oklahoma that regulate that industry and learned from them with respect to the concerns about the estimates that were provided by the EPA. Merkley: Can you provide this committee with information showing who you consulted in representing this letter specifically for Devon Energy, because the information that’s in the public realm only shows that they simply sent you a letter, asked you to send it, and you sent it without questions. Pruitt: We have seven or so individuals in our office that are involved in these kinds of issues, and we will collect the information they have and provide it to this body pursuant to the chairman’s direction. Merkley: Your staff expanded substantially while you were in charge, to 251 staff members. Why do you need an outside oil company to draft a letter when you have 250 people working for you? Pruitt: Senator, as I’ve indicated, that was an effort that was protecting the state’s interest in making sure that we made the voices of all Oklahomans heard on a very important industry to our state. Merkley: You said that all heard, but you only sent it on behalf of a single voice: the oil company. Pruitt: That— Merkley: Thank you. 1:24:11 Senator Cory Booker: You’ve joined or filed 14 lawsuits against the EPA, challenging clean air and clean-water rules, yes? Scott Pruitt: We’ve been involved in multiple pieces of litigation, Senator. Booker: Yeah, but I’m looking at specifically 14, and, Mr. Chairman, I’d like to put those 14 lawsuits into the record, of where you specifically challenged the EPA on air quality. And let me just go through some of those. Chairman Barrasso: Without objection. Booker: Thank you, sir. To refresh your recollection, you filed two lawsuits challenging the EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards; you filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone; you filed four lawsuits challenging the EPA’s Clean Power Plan; you have sued to challenge the EPA’s 111(b) standards for carbon dioxide emissions from new power plants; and you also sued to challenge the EPA’s Federal Implementation Plan for Oklahoma under the Regional Haze rule. You’re familiar with those, I imagine. Pruitt: Yes, Senator. Booker: And you filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, something in New Jersey we’re very concerned with. And are you aware that that Rule, which you lost in that suit, scientists estimate that that alone prevents 400,000 asthma attacks nationally each year? Are you aware or those estimations? Pruitt: Yes, Your Honor. Or, yes, Senator. May I offer— Booker: I appreciate your promotion to judge. Let me continue, Mr. Pruitt. I don’t have that much time. Pruitt: Okay. Booker: So, each of these lawsuits that I just went through and that we analyzed, all of them challenge attempts by the EPA to reduce air pollution. In all of them except one you filed those lawsuits, joining with polluting companies that were also suing the EPA. And, so, in addition to filing those lawsuits with some of the polluting companies, or at least one that has now been specifically mentioned by two of my colleagues, you used substantial portions of the letters from those companies, put them on your official attorney general letterhead; and what was sort of surprising to me is that when you’ve been asked about this in the public, you basically represented that, “That’s actually called representative government in my view of the world.” Your testimony here says that you were representing industry; you were representing the polluters. And, so, with all of these lawsuits you filed, and with all of these letters like this one written to the EPA, on behalf of the industries that are causing the pollution, it seems clear to me that obviously the fact pattern on representing polluters is clear, that you worked very hard on behalf of these industries that have their profits externalized, negative externalities are their pollution. And, so, I just have a question for you specifically about the children of Oklahoma. Do you know how many kids in Oklahoma, roughly, have asthma? Pruitt: I do not, Senator. Booker: Well, according to the data published by the very non-partisan group, the American Lung Association, more than 111,000 children in Oklahoma, which is more than 10 percent, more than one in 10 of all the kids in Oklahoma, have asthma. That’s one of the highest asthma rates in the entire United States of America. Now, this is a crisis—similar data, for where I was mayor—and I can tell you firsthand the devastating impacts that asthma has on children and families: affecting their economic well-being; parents who have to watch their children struggle to breathe; people that have to miss work, rushing their kids to the hospital. One in 10 kids having a disease, missing school, is a significant problem. And so if you’ve been writing letters on behalf of polluting industries, I want to ask you, how many letters did you write to the EPA about this health crisis? If this is representative government, did you represent those children? I want to know what actions you’ve taken in the past six years in your capacity as protector of the welfare of Oklahoma citizens to protect the welfare of those 111,000 children. Did you ever let any of them write letters on your letterhead to the EPA, and did you even file one lawsuit—one lawsuit—on behalf of those kids to reduce the air pollution in your state and help them to have a healthy life? Pruitt: Senator, I’ve actually provided a list of cases to the chairman with respect to enforcement steps we’ve taken in multiple pieces of environmental litigation, but let me say to you, with respect to Cross-State Air Pollution and some of the cases you referred to, the state has to have an interest before it can bring those cases, as you know. You can’t just bring a lawsuit if you don’t have standing, if there’s not been some injury to the state of Oklahoma. In each of those cases, the court determined that there was a state interest— Booker: My time has expired, but if I could just say, injury, clearly asthma is triggered and caused by air pollutants. Clearly there is an air pollution problem, and the fact that you have not brought suits in any of the levels which you’ve represented the industries that are causing the pollution is really problematic when you’re going to sit in a position that is nationally supposed to be affecting this reality. And asthma in our country is the number one reason why children in America, health reason, why children in America miss school. 1:37:28 Senator Ed Markey: Eight of those cases are still ongoing, including your litigation that challenges critical rules that reduce levels of hazardous smog, mercury, and carbon pollution. As EPA administrator, you would be in a position to serve as plaintiff, defendant, judge, and jury on these ongoing eight lawsuits, and that would be wrong. In your ethics agreement, you have said that you would not participate in any matter that is ongoing litigation within one year, but, Mr. Pruitt, isn’t it correct that these lawsuits may very well continue for much longer than one year? Scott Pruitt: Well, Senator, I have the letter from the ethics counsel at the EPA, and the one-year time period is intended to address covered entities, entities that I served in a chairmanship or an officer capacity. The Southern Theological Seminary, the Windows Ministry, those entities are covered entities. So if there is a matter that arises before the EPA within a one-year period, a particular matter, a specific case that involves those entities, then the recusal would be in order. But that’s really the focus of the one-year timeline. Markey: So, will you agree to recuse yourself from those lawsuits which you brought as the attorney general of Oklahoma against the EPA, not just for one year, but for the entirety of the time that you are the administrator of the EPA? Will you commit to doing that? Pruitt: Senator, for clarity, I think that it’s important to note that the one-year time period, again, is for those covered entities that were highlighted in the EPA letter. With respect to pending litigation, the EPA ethics counsel has indicated, with respect to particular matters and specific parties, there will be an opportunity to get counsel from the EPA at that point to determine what steps could be taken to avoid appearances of impropriety. Markey: So, you will not recu—are you saying that you will not recuse yourself from the actual matters which you’re suing the EPA on right now as attorney general of Oklahoma for the time that you are the head of the EPA? Pruitt: I’m not saying that at all, Senator. Markey: You are saying that. Will you recuse yourself? Pruitt: I’m saying that the EPA ethics counsel has indicated those cases will require a review by the EPA ethics counsel, and if it involves a particular matter with a specific party, then recusal would potentially be in order, and I would follow the guidance and counsel of EPA ethics. Markey: I just think this is—this is a clear line for the American public, given your record from Oklahoma in suing the EPA on all of these matters, that if you don’t agree to recuse yourself, then, again, you become plaintiff, defendant, judge, and jury on the cases that you’re bringing right now as attorney general of Oklahoma against the EPA; and the EPA is for all of the people of the United States, not just the fossil-fuel industry of Oklahoma. So you’re not committing—and I think that’s a big mistake, Mr. Pruitt—to recuse yourself from those cases. It is critical. 2:19:49 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: I’ve looked at your record. Most of the lawsuits you filed as attorney general were related to businesses, specifically what was important for your state in terms of employers and businesses, and the few lawsuits you did file about human safety were few and far between, but this role as head of the EPA, you’re going to have a much more important role to play. And I want to talk specifically about mercury. If you believe that mercury is a threat to public health but oppose the remedy of reducing mercury air pollution from power plants because it’s too costly, what, then, do you think you should do or what should be done to address the mercury pollution? Scott Pruitt: Let me say, Senator, mercury is something—it is a hazardous air pollutant under Section 112. It is something that the EPA has authority to regulate and should regulate. It should do so, though, within the framework established by this body, and the Supreme Court said that the EPA did not follow the cost-benefit obligations. It’s not that the benefits outweigh the costs, it’s just that they simply didn’t engage in a proper record-based support for their rule. And so that goes back to earlier questions with other senators about the process mattering, being committed to the rule of law and the rulemaking authority that Congress has given the EPA in making sure that as rules are passed, that they can be upheld in court. Gillibrand: But, I need you also to be worried about human health. I understand there’s a cost, but when you’re talking about lives, when you’re talking about children who can’t breathe—I’ve been to the emergency room at two in the morning with a child who can’t breathe; it’s a horrible thing. We’ve had children die in New York City because none of their teachers, no administrators in the schools knew what to do when a child has an asthma attack. It’s a huge problem. So I need you to care about human health and really believe that the cost, when human health is at risk, when people are dying, is far higher than it is the cost to that polluter to clean up the air and change their processes. I need you to feel it as if your children sitting behind you are the ones in the emergency room. I need you to know it. 2:31:32 Senator Bernie Sanders: And I apologize for being late, but we were at a hearing with Congressman Price, who is the nominee for HHS, and perhaps not a great idea to have important nominating hearings at exactly the same time. 2:33:30 Scott Pruitt: I believe the ability to measure with precision the degree of human activity’s impact on the climate is subject to more debate on whether the climate is changing or the human activity contributes to it. Senator Bernie Sanders: While you are not certain, the vast majority of scientists are telling us that if we do not get our act together and transform our energy system away from fossil fuel, there is a real question as to the quality of the planet that we are going to be leaving our children and our grandchildren. So, you are applying for a job as administrator for the EPA to protect our environment; overwhelming majority of scientists say we have got to act boldly, and you are telling me that there needs to be more debate on this issue and that we should not be acting boldly. Pruitt: No, Senator. As I’ve indicated, the climate is changing, and human activity impacts that. Sanders: But you haven’t told me why you think the climate is changing. Pruitt: Well, Senator, the job of the administrator is to carry out the statutes as passed by this body and to _ Sanders: Why is the climate changing? Pruitt: Senator, in response to the CO2 issue, the EPA administrator is constrained by statutes Sanders: I'm asking you a personal opinion. Pruitt: My personal opinion is immaterial— Sanders: Really?! Pruitt: —to the job of carrying out— Sanders: You are going to be the head of the agency to protect the environment, and your personal feelings about whether climate change is caused by human activity and carbon emissions is immaterial? Pruitt: Senator, I’ve acknowledged to you that the human activity impacts the climate. Sanders: Impacts. Pruitt: Yes. Sanders: Scientific community doesn’t tell us it impacts; they say it is the cause of climate change, we have to transform our energy system. Do you believe we have to transform our energy system in order to protect the planet for future generations? Pruitt: I believe the EPA has a very important role at regulating the emissions of CO2. Sanders: You didn’t answer my question. Do you believe we have to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel, to do what the scientific community is telling us, in order to make sure that this planet is healthy for our children and grandchildren? Pruitt: Senator, I believe that the administrator has a very important role to perform in regulating CO2. Sanders: Can you tell me, as I think all of us know, Oklahoma has been subjected to a record-breaking number of earthquakes. Scientists say that Oklahoma is almost certain to have more earthquakes, with heightened risk of a large quake, probable to endure for a decade and that the cause of this is fracking. Can you point me—picking up on Senator Harris’s discussion with you, can you point me to any opinion that you wrote, any enforcement actions you took, against the companies that were injecting waste fracking water? Pruitt: Senator, let me say I’m very concerned about the connection between activity in Oklahoma and- Sanders: And, therefore, you must have taken action, I guess. Can you tell me who you fined for doing this, if you are very concerned? Pruitt: The Corporation Commission in Oklahoma is vested with the jurisdiction, and they have actually acted on that. Sanders: And you have made public statements expressing your deep concern about this. Pruitt: We have worked with, through our- Sanders: You have made public statements. You’re in a state which is seeing a record-breaking number of earthquakes. You’re the attorney general. Obviously, you have stood up and said you will do everything you can to stop future earthquakes as a result of fracking. Pruitt: Senator, I’ve acknowledged that I’m concerned about the- Sanders: You acknowledged that you are concerned. Pruitt: Yes. Sanders: Your state is having a record number of—well, if that’s the kind of administrator for the EPA—your state’s having a record-breaking number of earthquakes, you acknowledge you are concerned; if that’s the kind of EPA administrator you will be, you are not going to get my vote. 2:37:43 Senator John Barrasso: I want to talk about some of the concerns I have with overregulation, and I’ll ask, do you have the same concerns with the overregulation of U.S. manufacturing over the last eight years? I believe we’ve _____(00:08) exported manufacturing jobs overseas, jobs that go with them in terms of the manufacturing of those goods to places like China and India that are going to produce those products in a less environmentally friendly way. And do you agree with this notion that this approach harms not just the environment, but also our own U.S. economy? Pruitt I believe, Senator, that it puts us in an economic disadvantage when we don’t hear all voices in the rulemaking process with respect to these issues, absolutely. Part 2 17:04 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Let me just ask you this as a hypothetical: if you had raised significant amounts of money for the Rule of Law Defense Fund from corporations who will be subject to EPA’s regulation, before EPA, with matters before EPA, might that place you in a conflict of interest? Scott Pruitt: The EPA ethics counsel has said—and by the way, these are career individuals as you know, Senator. Justina Fugh is a career person at EPA ethics, and so as they’ve reviewed these potential conflicts, I’ve disclosed all entities I’ve been affiliated with. Whitehouse: I understand that, but I’m asking you if you think it might place you in a conflict of interest, because we both understand that the ethics rules that the EPA’s enforcing predate Citizens United, predate dark money, and they’ve said in the letter that they aren’t even looking at that because they don’t have the authority to. That doesn’t mean it’s not a conflict of interest; it means that the regulatory authority on government ethics hasn’t caught up with this post-Citizens United, dark-money world. Pruitt: I think— Whitehouse: My question is, you’re a lawyer, you know conflicts of interest, you’ve been an attorney general, might it be a conflict of interest, within your definition of the term, if you had raised significant amounts of money for this Rule of Law Defense Fund and they’ll have business before EPA with you? Is that a potential conflict of interest? Pruitt: I think Justina Fugh actually did address those entities to the degree that I was never an officer of the super PAC that you referred to earlier, the Liberty 2.0, and so they looked at those entities to determine— Whitehouse: The question was fund raising. Pruitt: They looked at those entities— Whitehouse: That’s the question we don’t have any answers on is what you raised. Pruitt: They looked at those entities to determine what the nature of my relationship was and then indicated that those would have to be evaluated in the future as cases arose, and— Whitehouse: Right now, the chairman asked you a question which is, are there matters that might place you in a conflict of interest that you have not disclosed? You answered no. Might not having raised significant money—let’s say $1 million, let’s say you made a call to Devon Energy and said, I did you letter for you, RAGA needs a lot of money, we’ve got this dark-money thing where we can launder your identity clean off it, and the money will go into RAGA, I need a million bucks out of you—might that not create a conflict of interest for you if that were the facts? Pruitt: Ms. Fugh has indicated in her letter to me—again, these are career individuals at EPA ethics—that if particular matters involving specific parties arise in the future, it will be evaluated at that point, but I want to call into account— Whitehouse: But how will they know if you’re not willing to disclose that you raised the hypothetical million dollars from Devon Energy? Pruitt: Well, those aren’t even covered entities under her letter at this point. Whitehouse: That's my point. Pruitt: But it’s factual— Whitehouse: But that may very well create a conflict of interest, mightn’t it? Pruitt: Senator, I did not serve in an office or capacity at that entity. In fact, I was not [unclear] in any way— Whitehouse: You’ve said that already, too, but that also is not the question. The question is a very simple one: did you raise money for the Rule of Law Defense Fund from entities that will appear before EPA as potential defendants in subjects of regulation, and if so, how much, and what did you tell them, and what did you ask? It seems to me that’s not an unusual or— Pruitt: The Rule of Law Defense Fund, according to Ms. Fugh, would need to be a party in the future for that to be an issue. That’s what she’s indicated in her letter to me. Whitehouse: So— Pruitt: At the time— Whitehouse: So let me— Pruitt: —if issues arise in the future, I will seek the counsel of EPA ethics and follow the advice of those career folks to make a decision and recuse if necessary. That is— Whitehouse: But at this point— Pruitt: —something I commit to doing. Whitehouse: At this point, what I deduce from your statement is that if that set of hypothetical facts were true, if you had raised a million dollars from a big energy corporation to go through the Rule of Law Defense Fund to support your efforts at RAGA, that that is not something anybody should care about, even if that corporation is before you at EPA and subject to your regulation at EPA. Pruitt: Well, I think something that, if presented in the future, Justina Fugh and myself, EPA ethics would evaluate that, and I would take the appropriate steps to recuse if they told me to do so. Whitehouse: But how would it be presented in the future if you’re not willing to present it now? Pruitt: If there’s a matter— Whitehouse: Why does it matter in the future and not now? Pruitt: If there’s a matter or cast that comes before the EPA’s authority, that would be something. There’s ongoing—as you know, Senator, Ms. Fugh indicated this in her letter—there’s ongoing obligations that I will have, if confirmed as administrator, to bring those kinds of matters to attention of EPA ethics. Whitehouse: Well, for what it’s worth, I think that the Senate has a role in policing this as well, that the whole purpose of advice and consent and the reason there are these government ethics filings is so we can look at this exact question, and the fact that they haven’t been updated to take into account dark money and all these big political organizations that have been created with dark money doesn’t take away our Senate obligation to find out what conflicts of interest you will bring to the position of administrator. And it gives me very little comfort that you’re not willing to answer those questions here. My time has expired. I’ll continue in other rounds. 1:07:50 Senator Ed Markey: Do you support the current California waiver for greenhouse gas standards? Scott Pruitt: Senator, that’s what would be evaluated, and I think it’s very difficult, and we shouldn’t prejudge the outcome in that regard if confirmed as administrator. Markey: So you’re questioning the current waiver. You don’t think they’re entitled to the current waiver. Pruitt: Well, the waiver is something that’s granted on an annual basis, and the administrator would be responsible for making that decision. Markey: Yeah. And so you say you’re going to review it. Pruitt: Yes, Senator. Markey: Yeah. And when you say review, I hear undo the rights of the states, and I think to a certain extent that it’s troublesome because, obviously, what we’ve heard all day is how much you support states’ rights when it comes to these issues, but now when it comes to the right of California or Massachusetts and other states to be able to reduce carbon pollution, you’re saying you’re going to review that. So my problem really goes to this double standard that is created that when you sue from the Oklahoma perspective, from the oil and gas industry perspective, and you represent Oklahoma, you say they have a right to do what they want to do in the state of Oklahoma. But when it comes to Massachusetts or it comes to California, and it comes to the question of those states wanting to increase their protection for the environment, protect their victimization from carbon pollution, you say there you’re going to review. 1:51:58 Senator Jim Inhofe: The cost of regulations: as you know, the Supreme Court overturned the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics—that’s MATS—rule in 2015 because the EPA failed to—ignored the fact that the cost was $9.6 billion annually of the rule. Now, in fact, the EPA’s regularly issued rules over the past eight years that are very costly for our industries and our job creators. According to the CRS—now, CRS, when they make an evaluation, are much more conservative, the figure is always a very conservative figure, but they said the Clean Power Plan would be at least $5 billion to $8 billion a year. The figures I’ve heard on that are far greater because it wouldn’t be that much different than the old systems that they tried to do through legislation: the methane standards on oil and gas facilities, $315 million a year; the new ozone standards, $1.4 billion; the 2015 coal ash standards, $587 million a year; and the 2011 sulfur dioxide standards, $1.5 billion a year. Now, when you hear this, all this money is being spent on compliance costs by our job creators, people out there that are working for a living, and they’re hiring people. What are you thoughts, and what do you believe should be the role of the costs of EPA’s decision making? Pruitt: I think it’s very important in the rule-making process, Senator, and the Supreme Court and courts have recognized that very important factor. 1:54:46 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: We have been talking about fundraising done by you for the Rule of Law Defense Fund during the time when you were both a board member and for a full year the chairman of the Rule of Law Defense Fund and the fact that we have exactly zero information in this committee about that fundraising. We also have zero—and let me ask unanimous consent for the page from— Chairman Barrasso: Without objection. Whitehouse: —the filing that discloses that he was in fact a member of the board of directors and chairman of the Rule of Law Defense Fund. We also have a meeting agenda from the Republican Attorney Generals Association during a time that you were executive committee member of the Republican Attorney Generals Association meeting at The Greenbrier, which I’ll stipulate for my friend from West Virginia is a lovely place to go, and the agenda, which I’d like to take this page of and put into the record, mentions a private meeting with Murray Energy. It mentions a private meeting with Southern Company. It mentions a private meeting with the American Fuel Petrochemical Manufacturers. If you’ll show the graphic, these are all the same groups that I’d been asking about in terms of your fundraising for the Rule of Law Defense Fund, and there’s Murray Energy, and there’s Southern Company, and I’m sure the American Fuel Petrochemical Manufacturers represent a lot of the others. As I understand it, we know nothing—no minutes, no statements, no reports—about what took place in those meetings that are described as private meetings on a sheet that is stamped “confidential.” Correct? We know nothing about the content of those meetings. Scott Pruitt: Senator, I didn’t generate the document. I know nothing about how that document got generated or what— Whitehouse: Are you denying that those private meetings took place? Pruitt: No, Senator. I just didn’t generate the document and don’t know about the content other than what you’ve represented. Whitehouse: Okay. And we don’t know. And because you were on the executive committee of RAGA, that’s information that we could get, right? I mean, it’s available, if there were minutes or reports out of those meetings, notes taken; but we don’t have them, correct? Pruitt: Senator, that would be a request made to the Republican Attorney Generals Association. And I might add, the Republican Attorney Generals Association, there’s a Democrat Attorney Generals Association as well. 1:59:43 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Given how many of these groups have important financial interests before the EPA, do you not think that 3,000 emails back and forth between you and your office and them are relevant to potential conflict of interest as an administrator and should be before us as we consider this? Scott Pruitt: Again, I think the EPA ethics council has put out a very clear process with respect to covered entities, as we described earlier, and on particular matters and specific cases, I will follow advice of that EPA career person, ethics, to make sure that there are recusing [unclear]— Whitehouse: You keep saying that, but the problem is— Chairman Barrasso: The senator’s time has expired. Whitehouse: Will you finish my sentence? Barrasso: Please do. Whitehouse: The problem with that is that if you haven’t disclosed any of this information, then the EPA ethics council would have no idea to even look. They would have no idea what the risks are. You can’t say, nobody can look at whether I did this, but by the way, they’re going to look at it. It just doesn’t add up. 2:12:30 Senator Jeff Merkley: Ten years ago we were talking about models that led to the conversation Senator Inhofe had about Climategate, about wrestling with assumptions and models. We don’t need models now; we have facts on the ground: the moose are dying because the ticks aren’t being killed by the winter being cold enough, the fish are migrating on the Atlantic coast, and Maine’s losing its lobsters to Canada. These facts on the ground are extraordinarily real, they have a huge economic impact, and shouldn’t we take a very serious approach to the urgency of this problem as we see it descending upon us? Scott Pruitt: Senator, I think the EPA—and if confirmed [missing audio] and obligation to deal with the issue. The Massachusetts v. EPA case says that CO2 is a pollutant under the Clean Air Act, and as such, that’s what generated the 2009 endangerment finding. So I think there is a legal obligation presently for the EPA administrator to respond to the CO2 issue through proper regulations. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations