Document NGNVn3aDgpJ1vL8ZnnLb4RGMy

Message From: Abboud, Michael [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=B6F5AF791A1842F1ADCC088CBF9ED3CE-ABBOUD, MIC] Sent: 4/16/2018 4;34;48 PM_____________ To: Ethan Sacks] Ex. 6 j; Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23S"PDLf)7cn=RecTpTnts/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Subject: RE: NBC News / GAO letter Attachments: gao.epa.3.23.18.pdf; B-329603 - EPA PRIVACY BOOTH OPINION (APR 16, 2018).pdf Hey Ethan, see below and attached. "The GAO letter `recognized the...need for employees to have access to a secure telephone line' when handling sensitive information. EPA is addressing GAO's concern, with regard to Congressional notification about this expense, and will be sending Congress the necessary information this week," Liz Bowman, EPA spokesperson. At the top of page 7, the GAO explains: "EPA's failure to make the necessary notification is the only subject of this opinion. However, we recognize the requirement to protect classified material and the need for employees to have access to a secure telephone line when handling such information in the course of conducting official agency business. After making the required notification, section 710 would have presented no bar to EPA's activities." Specifically, with regard to what GAO was investigating, OGC has responded, "Specifically, I have not identified any violation of section 710 of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017 or the Antideficiency Act." Additional Background: Every year the operations and maintenance for the HQ structures is approximately $6 million. From: Ethan Sacks J Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 12:32 PM To: Press <Press@epa.gov> Subject: NBC News / GAO letter Good afternoon, I'm writing a story for NBCNews.com on the GAO letter that accuses the EPA of violating spending laws in the installation of a soundproof booth in Administrator Scott Pruitt's office. Please advise me if there's an official statement from your agency on the matter. Thank you for your time. Ethan Sacks Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00030723-00001