Trump’s pick Pruitt a danger to planet

Oklahoma attorney-general Scott Pruitt has spent the last six years suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the extent of its authority, particularly its efforts to regulate the oil and gas industry and restrict coal-fired power plants. These industries belch out the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, yet Pruitt has led or been part of 14 lawsuits (most of them in concert with industry) challenging rules that limit them or otherwise protect the nation’s air and water.

It’s hardly news that some public officials are stooges or apologists for powerful polluting industries. But to select someone with a record like Pruitt’s to lead the EPA is mind-boggling, offensive and deeply worrisome. The Senate environment and public works committee approved the appointment last Thursday, but the full Senate should say no.

Yes, Donald Trump won the election, and as president he is entitled to appoint people who reflect his political views. But when the president’s policies and appointees pose such a fundamental threat to the nation, even a Senate controlled by his fellow Republicans must put the nation’s best interests ahead of party loyalty.

Pruitt shares Trump’s ignorant scepticism about the global threat from climate change. Like Trump, Pruitt disbelieves the scientific consensus that human actions play a significant role in heating up the planet and that a crisis looms. That alone disqualifies him from running an agency charged with protecting the environment — because if there is any single issue that poses a threat to the planet in the century ahead, it is climate change.

There is a legitimate argument to be had over the proper extent of federal regulations. But Pruitt would not run the agency as just another small-government Republican interested in paring excessive limitations on business. He actually disagrees with the fundamental mission of the EPA. Los Angeles, February 4.