Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- After the breaking news of former Trump foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with Russia, it was revealed that Sam Clovis, Donald Trump’s nominee to be the Department of Agriculture’s Chief Science Adviser, was the person who encouraged Papadopoulos to take the meeting with the Russians. Clovis has faced significant backlash since he was first nominated for his homophobic remarks, his climate change denialism, and for not being a scientist.
In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:
“Not only is Sam Clovis grossly unqualified and a dangerous pick to be a science adviser, he is now deeply entangled in the most disturbing aspects of Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation into collusion with Russia. If Sam Clovis continues to refuse to immediately withdraw his name for consideration in light of the latest reports, then Congress must do its job and postpone his hearing until special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation concludes.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.