EPA launches internal probe of Pruitt’s condo deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency’s internal ethics official is opening an investigation into Scott Pruitt’s $50-a-night condo deal in Washington.

Friday’s announcement makes for about a dozen confirmed investigations of allegations against the EPA administrator.

EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox declined comment, saying the agency does not publicly address matters related to the inspector general.

EPA Inspector General Arthur A. Elkins Jr. revealed the new probe in a letter to House lawmakers.

Pruitt for much of last year rented a bedroom from a lobbyist whose husband had pending matters before the EPA. The deal allowed the EPA chief to pay just $50 a night, and only on the nights he actually stayed there.

The Office of Government Ethics and several House lawmakers have asked for a probe of the arrangement.