Lee Zeldin testifies at Senate Confirmation Hearing

On Nov. 11, 2024, President Trump nominated former United States Rep. Lee Zeldin (R) for the position of Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the agency’s work to protect human health and the environment. This past Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, Zeldin had his Senate confirmation hearing at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The hearing lasted a little over three hours, during which Zeldin was met with questions from members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Topics discussed included his views on environmental regulations, climate change, and the balance between environmental protection and economic growth.

Many were surprised by his nomination, as he has little background in environmental regulation. He struggled to answer specific questions from lawmakers about various environmental issues, but he expressed his eagerness to learn.

Zeldin referred to his 12 years of experience as representative of New York’s 1st Congressional District, which includes miles of coastlines and a bipartisan tradition of environmental conservation. Additionally, he was a House Bipartisan Climate Caucus member and voted in favor of the 2016 chemical safety law.

In his opening statement to the committee, Zeldin stated, “I strongly believe we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come. It’s been so motivating to see the tremendous talent stepping up to serve at the EPA. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with our EPA team nationwide to serve the American public exceptionally.”

He also said, “I will foster a collaborative culture within the agency, supporting career staff who have dedicated themselves to this mission.”

During the hearing, Zeldin declined to share how the Trump Administration might change environmental regulation.

Many voters during this election cycle were concerned about climate change, and Zeldin was pressed by Democrats on the issue. He acknowledged how pollution due to fossil fuels is trapping heat within Earth’s atmosphere.

“I believe that climate change is real,” Zeldin stated

Republican Sen. John Curtis from Utah heavily supported Zeldin’s nominations, stating that while Zeldin was in the U.S. House of Representatives, he helped begin the dialogue among Republicans regarding climate change.

Zeldin shared that he wants to lead the agency in a way that brings Democrats and Republicans together. He stated, “I represented a district where people who were conservative Republicans would be able to unite with people who identify as more liberal Democrats to focus on making our environment better. That type of work together, that common ground, is what the American public is desperate for. They are looking for us to be able to find pragmatic, common-sense solutions.”