Fourth top aide leaving embattled EPA

WASHINGTON – Another top appointee is leaving his job at Scott Pruitt’s Environmental Protection Agency.

John Konkus’ announcement Friday makes him the fourth senior aide in two weeks to announce departure plans.

Konkus served as the EPA’s deputy associate administrator for public affairs. He had worked as a Republican political consultant and helped on the Trump campaign before his EPA appointment.

Pruitt faces a series of federal investigations and audits over high administrative spending and other issues. Pruitt has blamed subordinates for the problems.

Pruitt’s top spokesperson, his security chief and his Superfund administrator earlier announced their departures.

Konkus will take a communications job at the Small Business Administration. EPA chief of staff Ryan Jackson says Konkus was a valuable member of the EPA.