In a 56-42 vote, the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin as the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday. A close ally of former President Donald Trump, Zeldin is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Trump’s agenda of rolling back environmental regulations, including policies aimed at slowing climate change and promoting electric vehicles.
Who Is Lee Zeldin?
Zeldin, 44, is a former Republican congressman from New York, lawyer, and military veteran with over 20 years of service. He served on Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial and opposed the certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Zeldin is known for conservative positions on energy and environmental policy and has historically supported limited government intervention in environmental regulation.
During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin pledged to be a “good steward of the environment” while balancing environmental protection with economic growth. However, his vague responses to policy questions and his record of voting against climate initiatives raised concerns among Democrats and environmental groups.
Zeldin’s Role in Rolling Back Environmental Regulations
Zeldin’s confirmation is a major step in Trump’s broader mission to undo climate-focused regulations implemented under President Biden. Trump has promised to reverse regulations on tailpipe emissions, coal and gas power plants, and electric vehicle subsidies, claiming that these policies harm the U.S. economy.
During his first term, Trump dismantled over 100 environmental protections, and with Zeldin leading the EPA, a second wave of deregulation is expected.
What Zeldin’s EPA Might Target:
- Tailpipe Emission Standards: Set by the Biden administration to reduce carbon pollution from vehicles.
- Clean Power Plant Rules: Regulations aimed at cutting emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants.
- Electric Vehicle Subsidies: Trump and many Republicans oppose federal incentives for electric cars, calling them unnecessary government interference.
Democratic Opposition: Why They Oppose Zeldin
Democratic senators, led by Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, strongly opposed Zeldin’s nomination. Whitehouse argued that Zeldin is the wrong person for the job because of his ties to Trump’s anti-climate agenda and the fossil fuel industry.
“We need an EPA administrator who will take climate change seriously, treat the science honestly, and resist political pressure from a president who calls climate change a hoax,” Whitehouse said in a Senate speech.
Whitehouse also warned that Zeldin is unlikely to stand up to the fossil fuel industry that heavily backed Trump’s presidency, saying, “The likelihood of him standing against that fossil fuel bulldozer is essentially zero.”
Republican Support: Zeldin Will “Cut Red Tape”
On the other hand, Republican senators praised Zeldin as the right person to restore balance at the EPA by focusing on common-sense regulations without harming the economy.
Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming praised Zeldin as a “lifelong public servant” and pledged that under his leadership, the EPA will roll back overreaching regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
“For the last four years, the so-called experts at the EPA went on a reckless regulatory rampage, saddling American families and businesses with higher costs,” Barrasso said.
He highlighted Zeldin’s plans to repeal key Biden-era policies, reduce federal intervention in the energy sector, and encourage private-sector innovation.
Zeldin’s Environmental Record
Zeldin’s lifetime environmental score from the League of Conservation Voters is just 14%, reflecting his consistent opposition to major climate policies. However, he does have a mixed environmental record, with some support for local conservation projects and clean water regulations:
Key Environmental Actions by Zeldin:
- Voted against the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act: Aimed at boosting renewable energy and combating climate change.
- Supported the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act: This bipartisan law provided funding for national park maintenance using oil and gas royalties.
- Backed regulations to limit PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
- Supported conservation efforts on Long Island, including measures to protect coastal wetlands.
During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin emphasized his willingness to collaborate with the private sector and implement “smart, common-sense regulation” to protect the environment while fostering innovation.
“The EPA under my leadership will prioritize compliance as much as possible,” Zeldin said. “I believe in the rule of law and want to work with people to ensure they do their part to protect the environment.”
Concerns from Environmental Advocacy Groups
Environmental groups have expressed concern that Zeldin’s leadership could weaken crucial protections for clean air, clean water, and climate action. The League of Conservation Voters criticized his low environmental score and warned that rolling back regulations could result in greater pollution and long-term environmental damage.
However, Zeldin’s supporters argue that his approach will lead to more efficient regulations that protect the environment without stifling economic growth.
What’s Next for the EPA?
With Zeldin in charge, the EPA is expected to:
- Repeal or weaken regulations on power plants and vehicle emissions.
- Reduce federal oversight of the fossil fuel industry and promote domestic energy production.
- Shift focus away from climate change and toward traditional environmental issues like clean water and air.
Zeldin’s confirmation sets the stage for a dramatic shift in environmental policy, likely to face legal challenges and pushback from Democratic states.
Lee Zeldin’s confirmation as EPA chief represents a major victory for Trump’s deregulatory agenda but raises significant concerns about the future of climate policy and environmental protection in the U.S.
While supporters believe his leadership will promote economic growth and reduce regulatory burdens, critics warn that his approach could harm public health and hinder progress in addressing climate change. The next few years will be critical in determining the long-term impact of Zeldin’s policies.