Trump’s EPA Nominee Lee Zeldin Remains Vague on Climate Plans During Senate Confirmation Hearing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), faced intense questioning from senators on Thursday about his views on climate change, environmental regulations, and the future direction of the agency. While Zeldin emphasized the need for a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, he largely refrained from offering specific policy commitments during his confirmation hearing.
Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from Long Island and a longtime ally of Trump, was introduced as a nominee who could help carry out Trump’s agenda to roll back federal regulations, particularly those related to oil and gas development. He argued that Americans deserve a clean environment, but warned against policies that would "suffocate the economy."
Focusing on Economic Growth
“I believe the American people elected President Trump last November in part due to serious concerns about upward economic mobility,” Zeldin said during the hearing. “A big part of this will require building private sector collaboration to promote common sense, smart regulation.”
While his opening remarks were well-received by Republicans, some Democrats pressed him on climate change, questioning what actions, if any, he believes the EPA should take to address the worsening environmental crisis. Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island asked Zeldin about basic climate science, specifically the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Zeldin, who described himself as “not a scientist,” acknowledged that carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere but was cautious in expanding on his stance.
Trump’s Environmental Legacy and Zeldin’s Stance
Zeldin’s confirmation hearing follows Trump’s efforts to dismantle environmental protections during his first term, and his promise to continue rolling back regulations if re-elected. Environmental experts and advocates expect Zeldin’s leadership to focus on undoing some of President Joe Biden’s key climate initiatives, such as tailpipe regulations for vehicles and pollution controls on power plants.
However, Zeldin remained vague on specifics during the hearing. When pressed by Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska about the future of programs promoting electric vehicles—an area Trump has heavily criticized—Zeldin deferred, saying he would not prejudge outcomes before officially taking the helm at the EPA.
“I will tell you that I have heard concerns from you, and many others in this chamber, of how important it is to look at rules that are currently on the books,” Zeldin said.
Regulatory Power and Cooperation with States
Zeldin made it clear that he believes in limiting the EPA’s regulatory powers, pledging to honor a Supreme Court decision from the previous year that curtailed the agency’s ability to create broad regulations. He also promised to adhere to the principles laid out by the Court, which clarified the EPA’s scope of authority in regulating air and water protections.
“Laws are written by Congress and there are cases that have come out of the Supreme Court that provide the EPA with clear guidance on how we must do our job under the law,” Zeldin said.
Throughout the hearing, Zeldin stressed the importance of working more cooperatively with state governments, a stance that resonated with several Republican senators who criticized the Biden administration’s enforcement-heavy approach.
Zeldin’s Mixed Environmental Record
Zeldin’s environmental record includes a mix of stances that both align with and diverge from traditional Republican views. He has supported measures to reduce harmful "forever chemicals" like PFAS in drinking water and was a prominent advocate for the Great American Outdoors Act, which uses oil and gas royalties to fund maintenance efforts for national parks. However, he also voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to promote renewable energy and tackle climate change.
Environmental groups have expressed concern over Zeldin’s past positions, with the League of Women Voters giving him a dismal 14% score for his lifetime environmental record.
Zeldin's Vision for the EPA
While Zeldin avoided committing to specific policy changes during the hearing, he outlined his broader vision for the EPA, promising to ensure safe water and clean air for all Americans. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship with states, particularly after several years of what Republicans perceived as a heavy-handed approach from the Biden administration.
Zeldin’s confirmation hearing marks the beginning of a process that will determine the future direction of the EPA under Trump’s second term. As the nomination moves forward, both his supporters and critics will be watching closely to see how he balances environmental protection with the economic priorities outlined by the president-elect.