EPA blocks CNN and Associated Press journalists from attending Pruitt speech

Journalists from CNN, the Associated Press and E&E News, a publication that covers energy and environment issues, were barred by the Environmental Protection Agency from entering an event, which was focused on harmful chemicals in water. A handful of other reporters from other news organizations, however, were allowed inside the event for Director Pruitt's opening remarks after having been previously invited by the agency the day before. Jahan Wilcox, an EPA spokesman, said the agency barred reporters from attending due to space limitations inside the venue. He said the EPA was able to accommodate only 10 reporters and that it provided a livestream "for those we could not accommodate." "This was simply an issue of the room reaching capacity, which reporters were aware of prior to the event," Wilcox said. It was reported, however, that a handful of seats in the press section remained vacant by the time Director Pruitt began speaking.