Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell ordered an investigation into the EPA's 'raid' on family-run gold mining businesses. The EPA stood by it's actions, saying its investigations were done 'courteously.' (Associated press)
**FILE** Gina McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, holds a climate change report as she speaks at a climate workshop sponsored by The Climate Center at Georgetown University, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
** FILE ** In this Feb. 28, 2014, file photo, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy discusses proposed regulations with coal industry leaders at Dakota Gasification Synfuels Plant in Beulah, N.D. (AP Photo/Kevin Cederstrom, file)
FILE - This Feb. 28, 2014 file photo shows EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy speaking in Beulah, N.D. The Obama administration is moving forward with a dramatic reduction in sulfur in gasoline and tighter emissions standards for cars, arguing the move will eventually save thousands of lives per year. The oil and gas industry warns the Environmental Protection Agency rules are unnecessary and will drive up gas prices. The rules will also add to the cost of buying a car. (AP Photo/Kevin Cederstrom, File)
This Feb. 24, 2014 photo shows the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, N.M. Officials held a news conference to discuss preliminary test results that indicate 13 workers worker were exposed to radiation during a leak Feb. 14, 2014, from the nation's first underground nuclear waste dump. New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall says he will ask the Environmental Protection Agency to send air monitors to southeastern New Mexico following a radiation release from the federal government’s underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad. Udall says he will send a letter Thursday requesting the portable monitors. Udall says the health and safety of the community and workers at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant are his top priority. The EPA has regulatory authority over the site and any airborne radiation releases. (AP Photo/Jeri Clausing)
In this Feb. 24, 2014 photo, a member of the community speaks of the Feb. 14, 2014 radiation leak during a community meeting in Carlsbad, N.M. New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall says he will ask the Environmental Protection Agency to send air monitors to southeastern New Mexico following a radiation release from the federal government’s underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad. Udall says he will send a letter Thursday requesting the portable monitors. Udall says the health and safety of the community and workers at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant are his top priority. The EPA has regulatory authority over the site and any airborne radiation releases. (AP Photo/Jeri Clausing)