WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump selected Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to run the Environmental Protection Agency:

“At a time when climate change is the great environmental threat to the entire planet, it is sad and dangerous that Mr. Trump has nominated Scott Pruitt to lead the EPA. Mr. Pruitt’s record is not only that of being a climate change denier, but also someone who has worked closely with the fossil fuel industry to make this country more dependent, not less, on fossil fuels. The American people must demand leaders who are willing to transform our energy system away from fossil fuels. I will vigorously oppose this nomination.”