During his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Lee Zeldin emphasized the need for a balanced approach to environmental protection that does not hinder economic growth. Zeldin is poised to take the reins at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is expected to play a significant role in President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to reduce federal regulations and encourage oil and gas development.
“The American electorate chose President Trump last November largely due to genuine concerns regarding economic advancement,” Zeldin noted. He highlighted the importance of fostering private sector collaboration to create sensible regulations that support economic progress.
The hearing, while largely amicable, featured pointed exchanges with Democrats who pressed Zeldin on his stance regarding climate change. They sought clarity on what he believes should be done to address climate issues that have led to increased flooding and rising sea levels, concerns previously downplayed by Trump.
For instance, Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island inquired about fundamental climate science, particularly the effects of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Zeldin responded by stating, “I don’t sit before you as a scientist,” but later acknowledged that carbon dioxide does trap heat in the atmosphere.
A former Republican congressman from Long Island, Zeldin has been a steadfast ally of Trump, notably serving on his defense team during the first impeachment trial and opposing the certification of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 elections.
Trump sought to dismantle existing environmental regulations during his first term, a promise he intends to fulfill again. Experts anticipate that Zeldin’s initial responsibilities will involve reversing many of President Joe Biden’s significant climate initiatives, including vehicle emission regulations and efforts to reduce pollutants from power plants.
Throughout the hearing, Zeldin was cautious in making specific commitments regarding policies but asserted that he would not make preemptive judgments prior to assuming his role at the EPA. When Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska questioned whether he would roll back initiatives supporting electric vehicle usage, an area of criticism for Trump, Zeldin offered a noncommittal response yet recognized the concerns expressed by Republicans.
Zeldin insisted on the importance of maintaining strict limits on the EPA’s regulatory powers. He pledged to adhere to a recent Supreme Court ruling that has curtailed the federal government’s capacity to formulate extensive regulations. This decision, among others, has diminished the EPA’s authority to implement broad protections for air and water quality.
“Laws are enacted by Congress, and Supreme Court rulings have provided the EPA with explicit direction on fulfilling our duties within the law,” Zeldin explained.
During his address to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Zeldin emphasized that Americans deserve access to clean air and safe water while promising to foster a more collaborative relationship with state governments, as several Republican senators expressed frustration with the previous administration’s strict regulatory methods.
The League of Women Voters, a prominent environmental advocacy organization, has criticized Zeldin’s environmental record, assigning him a low score of 14%. Historically, he voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to enhance renewable energy efforts and address climate issues.
Nevertheless, Zeldin’s record does hold some positive moments for environmental advocates, such as his support for legislation aimed at regulating harmful chemicals known as PFAS in drinking water. He also played a key role in promoting the Great American Outdoors Act, which utilized oil and gas revenue to assist the National Park Service with significant maintenance needs. Additionally, he has supported various local conservation initiatives.
After being selected by Trump to lead the EPA, Zeldin expressed stronger opinions, stating in a Fox News interview that “left-wing” regulations negatively impact businesses. He reiterated the Trump administration’s focus on fostering economic prosperity through the EPA’s initiatives, identifying economic concerns as a key issue for many Americans.
