The EPA Administrator’s chief of staff illegally blocked an inspector general’s investigation into whether he interfered with a private citizen’s testimony before Congress, the agency’s internal watchdog said Tuesday.

In a response appended to the IG’s report, the agency disputed any wrongdoing by the staff chief, Ryan Jackson, contending that he reviewed the individual’s testimony in a manner “consistent” with past practices. An agency spokeswoman called the report “hyperbolic.”

Democrats on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee asked the inspector general in 2017 to investigate whether Jackson, who was chief of staff to then-administrator Scott Pruitt, pressured the chairwoman of EPA’s Board of Scientific Counselors, Deborah Swackhamer, to stick to “talking points” about her panel ahead of a hearing. Swackhamer became chairwoman under the Obama administration and was removed from the board months after the hearing.

The inspector general confirmed Jackson, who now serves as chief of staff to Administrator Andrew Wheeler, got an advance copy of the witness’ embargoed opening statement. But it was unable to complete its investigation because Jackson declined to say where he got it, which violated the 1978 Inspector General Act, the watchdog said.

Congress’ move

Jeffrey Lagda, a spokesman for the inspector general, told CQ Roll Call there is no specific enforcement mechanism for Jackson’s alleged violation but Congress historically has provided oversight when government officials refuse to cooperate with inspector general investigations. “It is now up to Congress to act if it so chooses,” Lagda said.