Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Thursday that Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt had "the right experience" to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
President-elect Donald Trump said last month he would nominate Pruitt, 48, to the position after his Jan. 20 inauguration. He must be confirmed by the Senate.
"Attorney General Pruitt and I had a very productive conversation [Thursday] about his plans for the Environmental Protection Agency and ways we can work together," Manchin, who has served West Virginia for two terms, said in a statement released by Trump transition officials. "We both come from energy-producing states and have a great deal in common.
"He committed to visiting West Virginia and working with me on some of the clean-water challenges that we have experienced in recent years in cities like Vienna, Parkersburg and Charleston," he added. "I believe the Attorney General has the right experience for the position and look forward to his confirmation process."
Pruitt described the meeting as "very good and productive."
"Senator Manchin has long been a leader in advancing a balanced energy policy that both protects the environment and enables economic growth," he added. "We discussed the many ways the EPA can help the people and protect the natural environment of West Virginia and our nation."
Pruitt said he looked forward to working with Manchin and his colleague, Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, upon successful confirmation "as we find the right balance that works best for the people and the environment of their very special state."
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