For distinguished editorial writing, the test of excellence being clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning, and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction, Three thousand dollars ($3,000).

Awarded to Robert B. Semple of The New York Times for his editorials on environmental issues.

Robert B. Semple, Jr. accepts the 1996 Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Writing from George Rupp, Columbia University President.

Finalists

Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Daniel P. Henninger of The Wall Street Journal for his editorials on a wide range of topical subjects, and N. Don Wycliff of the Chicago Tribune for his editorials about welfare reform and its effect on children.