Trump Taps Lee Zeldin to Steer EPA

The president-elect has nominated former congressman Lee Zeldin to helm the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Donald Trump announced the appointment Nov. 12, saying that Zeldin “will quickly prove to be a great contributor.” 

“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,” Trump stated. 

Zeldin’s nomination requires Senate confirmation. 

During his eight years in Congress, Zeldin introduced few environmental bills, with the majority of his bills focusing on health care and medical conditions, according to a review of his congressional record.  

In a social media post, Zeldin stated that it’s an honor for him to join Trump’s cabinet, saying “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.”