“It appears that Mr. Pruitt misrepresented material facts that bore on the Senate committee’s analysis of Mr. Pruitt’s fitness to serve as EPA Administrator,” states the complaint, filed last week by the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, which works to protect endangered species, and University of Oklahoma law professor Kristen van de Biezenbos.

Emails released as part of the lawsuit include a message from an executive of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers association to Pruitt’s me.com address, asking him to use his position as the state’s attorney general to help roll back renewable fuel standards set by the Obama administration, according to a statement from the Center for Biological Diversity.

“We have ... opened this matter for investigation,” said a letter from the bar to van de Biezenbos dated Tuesday. “After the matter has been fully investigated, your grievance and the response of [Pruitt’s] attorney will be presented to the Professional Responsibility Commission.”