The Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a vote of 56-42, as part of President Trump’s agenda to roll back major environmental regulations.
The big picture: Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York and a long-time Trump ally, positioned himself as a good steward of the environment and pledged to support the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
- During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin avoided committing to specific policies, particularly in response to Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts’ inquiry about potential rollbacks of electric car programs, which Trump had criticized. Zeldin pledged not to prejudge outcomes before arriving at the EPA.
Driving the news: In his first term, Trump sought to dismantle over 100 environmental protections and has vowed to overturn former President Joe Biden’s climate accomplishments, including vehicle tailpipe regulations and pollution reductions from coal and natural gas power plants.
- Democratic opposition to Zeldin’s confirmation included concerns about his suitability as EPA administrator, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse emphasizing the need for someone who takes climate change seriously and can withstand political pressure from the fossil fuel industry.
- However, Republican Senator John Barrasso expressed confidence in Zeldin, stating that he would uphold the EPA’s original mission to protect America’s air, water, and land while promoting economic growth without excessive regulation.
- Zeldin highlighted his intent to collaborate with the private sector to promote smart regulations and prioritize compliance, emphasizing a belief in the rule of law and a desire to work with people to ensure environmental protection.