Senate Confirms Lee Zeldin as EPA Head in 56-42 Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., as the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday in a 56-42 vote. Zeldin, a former congressman and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the agency responsible for environmental regulations and climate change initiatives.

Zeldin, who represented New York‘s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, faced a confirmation hearing earlier this month before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. During the hearing, he addressed questions on climate change and his vision for the EPA, pledging to foster a collaborative culture within the agency. “I strongly believe we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come,” Zeldin said.

The confirmation vote fell largely along party lines, with most Republicans supporting Zeldin and Democrats opposing his nomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has been instrumental in advancing the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Zeldin.

Zeldin’s appointment comes at a critical time for the EPA, which oversees environmental regulations, provides assistance to environmental projects, and aligns its policies with the administration’s stance on climate change. During his tenure in Congress, Zeldin launched an unsuccessful bid for New York governor in 2022, narrowly losing in the heavily Democratic state.

Zeldin’s confirmation marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal environmental policy. His leadership is expected to focus on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, a key priority for the administration.