Embattled Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt submitted his letter of resignation to President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying attacks against him and his family have taken a toll.

Congress and the EPA itself launched ethics investigations after reports surfaced Pruitt was renting a condo connected to a lobbyist, and using his staff for personal reasons. Critics also railed against the agency rolling back protections under his watch.

Local environmental organizations like Riverkeeper say they want Pruitt's replacement to prioritize climate change and clean water.

"Going forward, the Trump administration has got to focus on safe drinking water, healthy rivers; they've got to focus on biodiversity," said Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay.

Trump says the Senate has confirmed EPA Deputy Andrew Wheeler to become Acting Administrator starting Monday.