Trump’s EPA Nominee Zeldin Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Environmental Record

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), faced a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday, where lawmakers scrutinized his environmental record and commitment to balancing economic growth with conservation efforts.

Zeldin, a former New York congressman, emphasized his vision for the EPA during his opening remarks, stating, “Our mission is simple, but essential: To protect human health and the environment. We must do everything in our power to harness the greatness of American innovation with the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship.” He added that the agency must avoid “suffocating the economy” while fulfilling its environmental mission.

Senators from both parties questioned Zeldin’s past opposition to climate-resilient legislation and clean energy initiatives. The League of Conservation Voters gave Zeldin a 14% lifetime score, citing his resistance to clean air and water protections. However, Zeldin defended his record, highlighting his bipartisan efforts to protect the Long Island Sound and Plum Island during his tenure in Congress.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., expressed skepticism about Zeldin’s ability to lead the EPA impartially, accusing him of being a “rubber stamp for looters and polluters.” Meanwhile, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., praised Zeldin’s commitment to the EPA’s core mission and his focus on economic growth.

Zeldin’s confirmation hearing comes as Trump pledges to expand U.S. oil and gas production, including lifting a pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and rolling back Biden-era environmental regulations. Zeldin assured lawmakers that he would work to “unleash the power of American businesses” while maintaining high environmental standards.

If confirmed, Zeldin will play a pivotal role in shaping the Trump administration’s environmental policies, balancing the president’s energy dominance agenda with conservation efforts.