President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Lee Zeldin to head the EPA underscores his focus on deregulation and policy revision.
Politico reported that in an early move that outlines the priorities of his forthcoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Lee Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Zeldin, known for his staunch support during Trump’s previous administration and his active role in Congress, stands out as an unexpected but strategic choice for leading the EPA.
His appointment is seen as a signal of the significance Trump places on the EPA in his governance agenda, aiming to reshape environmental governance in line with his campaign promises.
As the incoming head of the EPA, Zeldin’s main responsibilities will include implementing Trump’s vision of reduced environmental regulations which were previously strengthened during President Biden's term. Trump’s plans likely aim to loosen climate and air pollution regulations and confront California’s more stringent environmental standards.
During his previous terms in Congress, Zeldin has a history of both advocating for and against certain environmental measures. Notably, he opposed offshore oil and gas drilling along New York’s coast, aligning with bipartisan efforts to protect these areas. However, his overall environmental track record has garnered critique, reflected in a low approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters.
Zeldin's career before this appointment includes significant legal and military service, having served in the Army and practiced as an attorney.
His political resume is marked by his leadership of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute after his congressional tenure and his unsuccessful run for New York governor in 2022.
He has also been critical of stringent environmental policies such as the proposed ban on gasoline-powered cars in New York by 2035, indicating his preference for more industry-friendly approaches. Despite opposing certain restrictive environmental measures, Zeldin supported the PFAS Action Act, pushing for stricter regulation of persistent environmental pollutants.
Trump’s selection of Zeldin has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Advocating for Zeldin, Trump noted that his strong legal background and commitment to America First policies would drive efficient deregulatory decisions promoting business growth while maintaining environmental standards. Trump believes Zeldin will “set new standards on environmental review and maintenance.”
Conversely, Sierra Club’s Executive Director, Ben Jealous, criticized the appointment, highlighting it as a clear indication of Trump’s intent to prioritize corporate interests over environmental protection and public health.
Former Republican congressman Carlos Curbelo offered a more nuanced view, recalling Zeldin’s interest in balancing energy production with environmental protection during his time in Congress.
Zeldin’s commitment as expressed echoes Trump's vision: to enhance U.S. energy dominance and revitalize industries like auto manufacturing through advancements in artificial intelligence while ensuring access to clean water and air. However, the broader environmental and public health communities remain skeptical of the potential rollbacks in protections.
The move also fits into a larger plan discussed by Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk, to streamline federal bureaucracy significantly. This ambitious vision of a leaner government structure coupled with aggressive business and technology advancements underlines their administration’s direction.
As Lee Zeldin prepares to lead the EPA, his role will be pivotal in navigating the challenges of enforcing policies that meet the administration's economic goals while addressing the environmental and public concerns that loom large in discussions about America's future sustainability and regulatory practices.