Trump Appoints Former Congressman Lee Zeldin to Lead Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday the appointment of former Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin, who has consistently supported energy independence and opposed strict fossil fuel regulations, has often voted against legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.
Reflecting on his new role, Zeldin stated, “It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. We will restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the U.S. the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”
Trump praised Zeldin’s focus on economic growth and deregulation, saying, “He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”
Zeldin’s record includes strong advocacy for fossil fuel industries, including support for fracking. As a 2022 gubernatorial candidate, he criticized New York’s ban on fracking, citing its potential to create jobs. He also opposed New York’s alignment with California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program, which aims to phase out gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035, branding it part of a “far-left climate agenda.”
His appointment is seen as part of Trump’s broader agenda to reduce regulatory restrictions on traditional energy sectors, with a focus on bolstering U.S. energy production while balancing the EPA’s mandate to protect air and water quality for American communities.