The 'environmental left' tells us that, though we have natural resources like natural gas and oil and coal, and though we can feed the world, we should keep those things in the ground, put up fences, and be about prohibition.

In this quote, Scott Pruitt, the former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), critiques the environmental left for advocating policies that limit the extraction and use of natural resources like natural gas, oil, and coal. Pruitt argues that while these resources are abundant and crucial for economic development, environmentalists push for restrictions that he believes would hinder economic growth. He uses the metaphor of "putting up fences" to describe the environmental movement's stance on keeping these resources "in the ground," essentially prohibiting their use.

Pruitt’s statement reflects his belief in the importance of energy independence and the continued use of fossil fuels to power economies. He suggests that instead of focusing on prohibition and limiting access to natural resources, society should prioritize their responsible use. From Pruitt’s perspective, the environmental left's stance is overly restrictive and ignores the potential benefits of using these resources for economic prosperity and global food security.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Pruitt’s political philosophy and his tenure at the EPA. As an advocate for the fossil fuel industry and a critic of aggressive environmental regulations, Pruitt often expressed concerns about the economic impact of stringent environmental policies. His tenure was marked by efforts to roll back various environmental protections and regulations that he argued would stifle economic growth, particularly in the energy sector.

Ultimately, Pruitt’s quote underscores the ideological divide between those who prioritize environmental protection and those who believe in the economic benefits of continued resource extraction. He frames the debate as a choice between economic development and environmental prohibition, with a clear preference for policies that support the extraction and use of natural resources to fuel economic progress.