Opposing the Nomination of Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General

(Washington, D.C. – November 19, 2024) Environmental Defense Fund strongly opposes the nomination of Matt Gaetz, a damaging and unqualified choice to serve as Attorney General of the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Attorney General's leadership, enforces pollution control laws that ensure the American people have healthy air to breathe, clean water to drink and are safe from toxic chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency’s work to protect Americans from harmful pollution depends on enforcement by the Department of Justice. One of the first bills ever introduced by former U.S. Representative Gaetz – reflecting one of his top priorities – was to abolish EPA .

“Matt Gaetz’s position is that no one should protect American families from pollution. If your child has asthma, if there’s lead in your drinking water, if you live near a toxic chemical plant, Gaetz says you’re on your own,” said Amanda Leland, executive director of Environmental Defense Fund.

The effective implementation of these laws by EPA and the Department of Justice is necessary to protect the American people. The United States' commitment to clean air and clean water through these laws is delivering healthier lives for millions of people and providing healthier communities where children can reach their full potential free from the harm of toxic pollution. It's also creating good jobs. Ensuring clean air and clean water for millions of people requires a firm commitment to EPA’s mission and its vital pollution control laws that the U.S. Department of Justice must enforce and defend.

The checks and balances in the Constitution call for the Senate to approve presidential nominations. An unprecedented abuse of the recess appointment power would recklessly bypass the Senate’s responsibilities under the Constitution. 

If Gaetz becomes Attorney General, it will mean dirtier air and water now and a less stable future for our children and grandchildren.