President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Congressman Lee Zeldin from New York to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in his upcoming administration. Zeldin, a four-term Republican representative from Long Island, is recognized by Trump as a staunch advocate of “America First policies,” and the President-elect believes he will facilitate impactful deregulatory measures while ensuring rigorous environmental standards are upheld.
In his statement regarding the appointment, Trump emphasized Zeldin’s commitment to fostering American business growth alongside the preservation of clean air and water. He remarked, “He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, allowing the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.” Zeldin expressed his honor in joining Trump’s Cabinet, vowing to enhance US energy dominance and revive the auto industry, all while safeguarding access to clean environmental resources.
Zeldin’s nomination will require Senate confirmation, where Republicans hold a majority as the new Congress convenes in January. The EPA’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year stands at $9.1 billion, and it employs over 15,000 individuals.
In a recent Fox News interview, Zeldin indicated that his priority would be to reduce regulations that he believes have hindered American businesses. He criticized what he termed “left-wing” regulations, suggesting they lead companies astray.
Trump’s staffing announcements have been significant, with Zeldin being the second Cabinet choice of his second term after naming Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff and Tom Homan as “border czar.” Zeldin, who previously opposed the Paris climate accord and the Inflation Reduction Act, aligns with Trump’s intent to withdraw from climate agreements and dismantle Biden’s climate initiatives.
However, Zeldin’s appointment has met with criticism from environmental groups. Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, described Zeldin as “unqualified” and an opponent of key environmental protection efforts. He warned that appointing Zeldin could reverse progress made in safeguarding the environment.
In a positive outlook, Zeldin’s close gubernatorial campaign in 2022 signaled a competitive political landscape in New York, which may foster renewed discussions on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As the nation looks toward the future, the role of the EPA under Zeldin could shape new approaches to environmental policy that engage various stakeholders, allowing for potential collaboration and innovation in addressing climate challenges while supporting American industry.