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Not The Imagery But the Philosophy: EPA Official Apologizes For Crucifixion Analogy, Sen. Inhofe Denounces War on Domestic Energy

A top-ranking Environmental Protection Agency official has apologized for comments he made in 2010 regarding the EPA’s “general philosophy” of policy enforcement.

Al Armendariz made headlines last night after a 2010 video of him discussing EPA’s practice of financially and politically pressuring oil and gas companies into compliance was unearthed by the offices of Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK). Armendariz even references the Roman tactic of crucifixion as a means of intimidation.

“I apologize to those I have offended and regret my poor choice of words,” Region 6 EPA Administrator Al Armendariz said in a statement first provided to the Daily Caller.

“It was an offensive and inaccurate way to portray our efforts to address potential violations of our nation’s environmental laws. I am and have always been committed to fair and vigorous enforcement of those laws,” he added.

However, as mentioned in The Blaze article yesterday, it’s not Armendariz’s choice of words (or his macabre imagery) that has people crying foul, it’s the fact that a top-ranking EPA official has gone on record saying EPA’s “general philosophy” of policy enforcement against the oil and gas industries involves financial and political pressure and intimidation.

Sen. Inhofe, the man whose office is responsible for finding the 2010 video, agrees: “What he has attempted to do is kill oil, gas and coal … but do it in a way that the American people won’t be aware of it.”

“They are able to scare people, intimidate people, and these are the very people who are hiring people and doing what’s necessary to run this machine called America,” he added.

The senator was a guest on Fox and Friends Thursday to discuss EPA’s “crucify them” strategy and Armendariz’s apology (via Fox and Friends):

“Let’s keep in mind, this is all a part of Obama’s war on domestic energy,” the senator said.

And just in case you missed it, here is the original 2010 video of Armendariz:

Transcript:

But as I said, oil and gas is an enforcement priority, it’s one of seven, so we are going to spend a fair amount of time looking at oil and gas production.

And I gave, I was in a meeting once and I gave an analogy to my staff about my philosophy of enforcement, and I think it was probably a little crude and maybe not appropriate for the meeting but I’ll go ahead and tell you what I said. It was kind of like how the Romans used to conquer little villages in the Mediterranean. They’d go into a little Turkish town somewhere, they’d find the first five guys they saw and they would crucify them. And then you know that town was really easy to manage for the next few years.

And so you make examples out of people who are in this case not compliant with the law. Find people who are not compliant with the law, and you hit them as hard as you can and you make examples out of them, and there is a deterrent effect there. And, companies that are smart see that, they don’t want to play that game, and they decide at that point that it’s time to clean up. And, that won’t happen unless you have somebody out there making examples of people.

So you go out, you look at an industry, you find people violating the law, you go aggressively after them. And we do have some pretty effective enforcement tools. Compliance can get very high, very, very quickly. That’s what these companies respond to is both their public image but also financial pressure. So you put some financial pressure on a company, you get other people in that industry to clean up very quickly.

So, that’s our general philosophy.

Comments (64)

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  • ITSJESTTIM
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:36am

    So what does Al Armendariz Achmed EPA have to do with the White House? I don’t know but everything looks good from planet Ritalin.

    Report Post » ITSJESTTIM  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:41am

      Tim ,just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone Home ?

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • ITSJESTTIM
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:48am

      @DEFCON4
      Just nod if you can read…. Deaf Con 4. The secret is in the vowels. : )

      Report Post » ITSJESTTIM  
    • LondoMollari
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:48am

      Shhhh!!!! Quiet….he’s trying to listen to the Force (ie Soros entity) down there in mommy’s basement code-named Ritalin.

      Report Post »  
    • ITSJESTTIM
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:52am

      You guys are funny. I hate to spoil your fun so I won’t. At least not tonight. You’ll laugh later when you see the LIGHT.

      Report Post » ITSJESTTIM  
    • ITSJESTTIM
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:59am

      HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa He He… : ))))

      Report Post » ITSJESTTIM  
    • ITSJESTTIM
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:12am

      Billy knows but, he’ll role his eyes round and round while LOL. Mean while, have either of you 2 been to the ice planet of Doom? It’s rather warm there since Al Gore moved in. How do I get him to leave so it will be cold again? My curtains are fading and the lawn needs cutting.

      Report Post » ITSJESTTIM  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 6:31am

      Timmy…..
      Haven’t picked up on any Obama comments like……“under my energy policies prices will neccessarily skyrocket”, or……”I’ll banktrupt anyone who wants to build a coal-fired plant”.
      Come out from under your rock, buddy.
      The EPA is the head of the radical environmental lobby which wants humans to sit in a cave and eat leaves. The tentacles are all the wealthy,very well connected groups who fund the Democratic Party. This video doesn’t surprise me one bit.

      Report Post »  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:56am

      Hoards of unelected bureaucrats like this infest the myriad of alphabet agencies in the gov’t.-time for a damn good housecleaning (with disinfectant!)

      Report Post »  
    • happ77
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:12am

      Hey timmie, pretty soon there won’t be any LIGHT.

      Report Post »  
    • thx1138v2
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:23pm

      Dang, you just missed your ride. Someone took a picture of it as it was passing by the sun.
      http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ufo-enthusiasts-believe-theyve-spotted-a-spaceship-flying-by-the-sun-take-a-look/

      Report Post »  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 3:15pm

      It‘s not his words that bare oofensive IT’S THE EPA ACTIONS THAT ARE OFFENSIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE TO THE COUNTRY.

      Report Post »  
  • lrb14
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:00am

    The good news is that even in the Obama administration, political pressure can be effective. The Labor Dept withdrew those ridiculous regulations that would have prevented kids from working on their parents farm.

    Report Post »  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:49am

      I Missed That ,more info LRB14 …

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 3:18pm

      iT WASN’T THE LABOR DEPT. THAT TRIED TO PUSH THIS. IT WAS THE U.N.’S AGENDA 21

      Report Post »  
  • lrb14
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:53pm

    New Romney campaign video!!

    Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:44am

      Romney is a moldable husk of a man and is Obama lite in nearly every respect. If you think that Romney will change anything, then you aren’t paying attention. There was only one candidate on the national stage that would have changed a GD thing. The only way we can fix this now is if Ron runs 3rd party and enough people wake up so that NO ONE gets 270 electoral votes.

      Report Post » SgtB  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:35pm

    Their apology is worthless; we know their agenda clear as daylight now, time to crush the EPA once and for all.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 3:57am

      It‘s called extortion it’s the Chicago way.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 4:16am

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extortion

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:47am

      As long as we have Hapless Harry in charge of the senate and a house of representatives with no cajones Sweet Old Barack and his tsars are going to rule by executive order and regulation.
      When congress stands up to this bunch of crooks and passes laws against this ruling by fiat we will have this type of government.
      Right now anything the House passes Hapless harry tables in the senate and refuses to allow it to come to a vote.
      Then the Dems blame the Republicans for not passing a budget and not passing any laws to aid in curing the unemployment problem. Sweet Old Barack is using some of LBJs tactics and hell have them ni**ers voting democrat for 200 years.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
    • lobster
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:49am

      I went to the EPA jobsite. Their philosophy is, ” come to work at the EPA, where everyday is Earthday”. What more can you expect from a bunch of communists.

      Report Post »  
  • topperj
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:29pm

    We learn so much about this bunch of thugs when we hear them talking to their buddies, not knowing they are being recorded. This is who these jackboots are. The want to put the boot on the throat. Apologizing for using the wrong words is one thing. They never apologize for what they want to do. If we don’t get them oput of office, we will be seeing crucifixions, metaphorically, all over the country. This is just the beginning.

    Report Post »  
  • tricia
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:26pm

    Nazi, Fascist, Commie or his so-called ancient history Roman tactics is a TYRANNICAL GOVERNMENT. The buck stops at the White House. He was appointed by Obama and Obama needs to answer and be responsible for his appointees’ un-American ideals.
    Why wasn‘t this man’s views and the tape released in 2010 when it was said? How many people in the room and agency agree with this war on American citizens “philosophy”?

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:19pm

    Why just denounce it… when Senators have Power?

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • LetsBeSmartAboutThis
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:13pm

    Can you say INTIMIDATION ?

    Report Post »  
  • Sue Dohnim
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:10pm

    Nancy Pelosi responds,,,, to the violent language…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46QoT_eNQ8

    Report Post » Sue Dohnim  
  • nighttrainno9
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:09pm

    The EPA is the biggest terrorist organization on the planet, far worse
    than the muslims. The EPA intends to end America as we know it.
    They are the common enemy just as the british were in 1776. It’s
    time to recognise who our enemies are and address the problem.

    Report Post »  
  • brother_ed
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:06pm

    “…our efforts to address potential violations…”

    Does anyone else find it interesting that they want to address POTENTIAL violations?

    Those who want to stop crime BEFORE it happens can be sometimes dangerous.

    It‘s not a crime until it’s committed. I know, I know, sometimes it is beneficial, but this mentality is what is ruining us.

    Report Post » brother_ed  
  • v15
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:53pm

    Environmentalists
    Punishing
    Americans

    Report Post » v15  
  • Teabunny
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:50pm

    Show me what democracy looks like…this is what democracy looks like

    has anyone ever heard of Qaddafi’s direct democracy theory?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_International_Theory

    now we know!

    http://www.memri.org/clip_transcript/en/2819.htm

    Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:54pm

      oh, yeah…commie roots…. the one whom developed the theory
      Edvard Kardelj http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edvard_Kardelj

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:02pm

      wow…read the commie stuff…find the lybia part! interesting….
      Relationship with Islam
      In the absence of specific prescriptions for the transformation of society in the so-called “Islamic socialism”, Gaddafi constantly made revisions to this theory. Before the “Green Book”, Islam was considered one of the ideological sources of official ideology, but the third part of this book, which appeared in the summer of 1979, did not assess its truthfulness on the basis of the precepts of Islam.
      On the contrary, “the truth” of Islamic provisions themselves was evaluated in terms of their compatibility with the theory. It was declared that the driving force of history was national and social struggle. At the same time, as Gaddafi specified, “if we were to restrict ourselves to the support of Muslims only, that would be an example of bigotry and selfishness: True Islam is the one that defends the weak, even if they are not Muslims”.[10]
      In the subsequent explanations and comments on the “Green Book”, many of its provisions underwent significant revisions. But this book still remains the basic catechism of ideology in Libya.
      [edit]Implementation in Libya

      The theory was partially implemented in Libya. In March 1977, the “Declaration of Sabha” was declared, and the republic was transformed into a Jamahiriya (the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya). Those forms of private ownership which were deemed exploitative were abolished (whereas private family businesse

      Report Post » Teabunny  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:47pm

    This is Obama, this is what he said he would do. Dumb, dumb America if we don’t throw the rascals out of office in 2012.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:52pm

      I agree .. and they mean what they say .. and said. They won’t be happy until we are sitting in our homes by candlelight .. unable to afford enough gas to get to and from work .. complete government control ..

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:34pm

    He meant every word he said. The EPA not only crucifies the oil and gas industry but they use intimidation on the average citizens too. There are stories all over the internet of the EPA overstepping their bounds.

    This one man got caught saying what they all believe at the EPA.

    Report Post »  
  • cassandra
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:28pm

    the EPA apologizes for being CAUGHT !!!! trying to act like a MARXIST org. ( THEY ARE ) their philosophy is to take over our energy to control the American people period. they have lied about their so called studies to put fear in the uneducated people on drilling for oil,natural gas and mining for coal they LIE LIE LIE LIE the left are great at it

    Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:37pm

      An apology only matters if you repent and realize the error of your ways. This dude is only sorry because he got caught and his commnets were outrageous – His feelings and intentions outrageous yet still true – Let’s not lose site of that

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • marhee9
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:38pm

      Exactly! They’re only upset because they were exposed for being the destructive force that they truly are. Just remember that when Obama does his “the GOP wants dirty air and dirty water,” routine, he’s really saying that he supports everything the EPA is doing to destroy this country. These are his people. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC5Zw-ggrc The EPA needs to be eliminated!

      Report Post »  
  • Andy
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:25pm

    …”you go aggressively after them. And we do have some pretty effective enforcement tools. Compliance can get very high, very, very quickly.”
    You better believe it! My city of 24,000 has had it’s own power plant for around 70 years. Though we’ve prudently upgraded it to comply with ever more stringent rules, it did miss emission regs rarely for short time periods. We were sued by the EPA. Result: $112,000 fine and $12 MILLION for more pollution controls including a “Bag House”. There is NO smoke nor odor. Our bills have gone up twice this year. And WE’RE LUCKY! Michigan’s BIG electricity providers are CLOSING 6 plants. Welcome to Obama’s Amerika; vulnerable, cold, and dark.

    Report Post » Andy  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:25pm

    Need to route out all who think like him and FIRE THEM ALL

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Defend It To The Last Drop Of My Blood
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:24pm

    America’s general philosophy should be to crucify the EPA and martyr all their programs and business-killing “compliance” crucifixions immediately. Make an example of the EPA and the rest, as Al Armendariz said, will see the “deterrent effect.”

    Report Post » Defend It To The Last Drop Of My Blood  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:23pm

    Fire the SOB!!! Apology not accepted from this un-American POS!!!!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
  • howiekwix1
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:23pm

    The attack on the Oil industry by this administration is now out and in the open… There are those who desire renewable energy, but, it must co-exist with the oil industry.. The Obama administration does not recognize oil as a natural resource, but, as we all know it is, and for the most will never be replaced. Visit http://gogreentristatearea.biz for information on renewable energy, not as a pitbull against Big Oil.

    Report Post »  
  • RLTW
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:19pm

    If he says this now that he’s caught you know in his corrupt socialist heart he thinks the opposite

    “It was an offensive and inaccurate way to portray our efforts to address potential violations of our nation’s environmental laws. I am and have always been committed to fair and vigorous enforcement of those laws,” he added.

    Report Post »  
  • kcinco
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:13pm

    What some people don‘t realize that they can’t take back things that are said! You can try to back pedal all you want but it‘s on film or audio and it’s history. The progressives/marxists/communists are exposing themselves at every turn. I don’t understand why our FBI, CIA, etc. don’t do anything about the treasonous, tyrannical activity. Here we have a former US Army general (Petraeus) running the CIA and there is never a peep out of him or that agency. Has he sold out or are their hands tied by the obama administration? As hard as I try, I cannot wrap my brain around what is going on in this country!

    Report Post » kcinco  
    • M24
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:38am

      Petraeus knows that the easiest way to defeat the Enemy is to make them expose themselves to the outside ,it’s a old Military Strategy ,You can make the Enemy fight between each other , Don’t kid yourself ,The Company has eyes and ears in Places You Can’t even begin to believe. Petraeus is making these Player’s Expose Themselves One At a time . Anyone that votes for obama is either a Idiot Or A Communist ,Sad To Say We Have Both In This Country. Stay Tuned To See Who Get’s Exposed Next !!

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:10pm

    I choose not to accept this POS’s apology. I will settle for him being Crucified , for real. No analogy, no imagery. I would love to see him on the set of Good Morning America with oil workers pounding the nails thru his hands and legs. The time for forgiveness is OVER.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • barber2
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:08pm

    Yes. That is your philosophy: Crucify capitalism on a cross of stupid economic policies and then Blame Capitalism for the ensuing failure. Yes. That is your War on Capitalism. Big Brother Obama was well school by his Marxist mentors. How sad for him and for us. He was our first bi-racial president. And hopefully, our last Marxist one. You go, so- called Democrats : Clenched fists in the air…intimidation in the wings…

    Report Post »  
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