Pruitt’s departure welcome and overdue

It was clear from the beginning that Scott Pruitt had no interest in protecting public health and safety, and it’s unfortunate that he wasn’t dismissed until he became a clear political liability.

While he clearly violated ethical standards and bilked taxpayers, he inflicted far worse injury on American children and families by abandoning science and the EPA’s public health and environmental mission.

Mr. Pruitt reversed a proposal to ban the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, going against all credible scientific advice. He moved to increase cancer-causing air pollution from major industrial sources across the country. He threw out years of research to undo vehicle standards that have delivered cleaner cars.

It’s time for the EPA to clean house.

In 1983, after a series of ethics violations plagued the EPA, President Ronald Reagan turned to Bill Ruckleshaus to lead the agency. The independent and experienced leader cared deeply about the future of the agency and restored its effectiveness.

The next EPA administrator needs to be someone who will uphold independent science and commit wholeheartedly to the agency’s science-based mission of protecting public health and the environment.

Until then, Congress should conduct considerably more oversight because political appointees at the EPA are sidelining science and compromising the agency’s effectiveness.