Scott Pruitt, an American Republican politician who is currently serving as the fourteenth Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has just returned from a four-day trip to Morocco, reportes the Associated Press. During his trip to the kingdom, the official held talks with his Moroccan couterparts trying to promote the importing of natural gas. Arrived in the United States of America on Wednesday, 13th of December, Pruitt stated that the trip «allowed us to directly convey our priorities and best practices with Moroccan leaders». «We are committed to working closely with countries like Morocco to enhance environmental stewardship around the world». However, the EPA chief's recent visit to the country has sparked tension around his expenses. According to the American news agency, which spoke to an EPA enployee with «direct knowledge of Pruitt's travel expenses», the trip cost around $40,000. The Washington Post has raised the same questions regarding the exaggerated expenses of the American official. It reports that the EPA inspector general is investigating Pruitt's visits. «It seems strange that Administrator Pruitt would prioritize a trip to Morocco to discuss natural gas exports while there is no shortage of more pressing issues here in the U.S.», said Sen. Thomas R. Carper, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. During his trip, EPA chief went on a tour to the IRESEN Green Energy Park, to have an idea about how Morocco wants to expand domestic solar energy production.
