House panel targets ‘glaring management failures’ at EPA

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the House Oversight Committee blasted the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday for what he called “glaring management failures” that included promoting a senior employee even though he had been accused of sexual harassment and allowing three other employees to continue working at the agency despite admitting they watched pornography on the job.

“We’ve seen numerous examples of fraud, unprofessional behavior, cronyism and outright theft at the EPA,” said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. “It is well past time for someone to be held accountable for these management failings.”

Chaffetz and other lawmakers said they were disturbed that lax management at the EPA appears to have continued even after John C. Beale, a former deputy assistant administrator, pleaded guilty in 2013 to federal charges that he stole nearly $900,000 over more than a decade by falsely claiming he was working undercover for the CIA.

The latest case involves Peter Jutro, who was named to lead the EPA’s Office of Homeland Security last year even though an inspector general’s report said senior officials were aware of multiple allegations of sexual harassment against him.

The IG’s office told the Oversight Committee Thursday that Jutro “engaged in conduct and exchanges considered to be unwelcome” with at least 17 women, including a 21-year-old intern at the Smithsonian Institution. The IG’s report said Jutro made sexually suggestive comments and engaged in inappropriate behavior with at least 16 women from 2004 to July 2014. Behavior cited included unwelcome touching, hugging, kissing and photographing of women.

Jutro retired in January as officials were attempting to interview him about the allegations. Patrick Sullivan, an assistant inspector general, testified that a “lack of due diligence” by senior EPA officials allowed at least six additional women to be harassed by Jutro after allegations were first reported prior to January 2014. Jutro led the homeland security office from February 2014 to last August, when he was placed on paid administrative leave.

Chaffetz called Jutro a “serial sexual harasser” and said senior EPA managers were “aware of his history of harassing women, but continued to promote him.”

Officials never interviewed a direct supervisor who had warned Jutro several times about his unacceptable behavior, Chaffetz said. “By turning a blind eye, EPA management allowed at least six more women to be harassed by Mr. Jutro,” Chaffetz said.

Stanley Meiburg, acting deputy administrator for the EPA, said Jutro and other employees who engaged in misconduct “are not representative of the broader workforce” at the agency.

The IG’s report also said at least three EPA employees have been caught watching pornography on the job. One case resulted in a criminal conviction, while another employee retired. A third employee remains on paid leave pending removal by the agency.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

x
$14.5M property tax levy lid lift moves forward in Edmonds

After a public hearing, the City Council voted 5-2 to place the resolution on next week’s consent agenda for final approval.

Mikki Burkholder, left, and Sean Seifert pull drafts Friday afternoon at 5 Rights Brewery in Marysville on October 8, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
5 Rights celebrates 10 years in Marysville

During a challenging time for the US craft beer industry, 5 Rights continues to enjoy growth and an uptick in sales.

Wine is illuminated on a large win rack at the center of the main room at Long Shadows Woodinville Tasting Room & Key Club Lounge on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 in Woodinville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Two winery restaurants in Woodinville stand out

You wouldn’t expect to get world-class pizza at a winery,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.