WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Tom Udall responded to President-elect Trump expected nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as EPA Administrator:

"Global warming is one of the greatest threats to public health, our environment and our national security. And New Mexico is in the bull's eye, as farmers and anyone who relies on water and weather know all too well. The American people accept that the science is real; the facts can't be denied, and we need to take urgent action to stop the impacts from growing worse. Attorney General Scott Pruitt has spent years fighting in court on behalf of climate deniers. That doesn't show the kind of leadership we need at the EPA to protect our air and ensure clean water. This is yet another troubling nomination by a president-elect who promised to 'drain the swamp' in Washington, and I anticipate Attorney General Pruitt will face many questions about his work to help big polluters at the expense of the American people."