EPA Targets Mollohan Group

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General "has questioned nearly half of the $6.7 million the Canaan Valley Institute spent from five federal grants over the last four years," The Charleston Gazette reports.

The institute is one of several championed by Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, whose federal earmarks for such efforts have come under scrutiny in recent years.

"Inspector General auditors found that the institute reported costs for services outside the scope of one agreement, did not comply with contract terms, and improperly used EPA funds to match another federal program," the article said.

Mollohan issued a statement through a spokesman to the The Gazette. "It is my understanding that this process is ongoing, and it is up to CVI and EPA to resolve their differences over these matters," it said.