Senate Confirms Lee Zeldin as 17th EPA Administrator
Former Representative Lee Zeldin of New York’s 1st congressional district received Senate confirmation to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the evening of January 29th. During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin promised to support EPA career staff and to protect the health of humans and the environment.
Although Zeldin has little environmental policy experience overall, he has supported legislation to reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. President Trump, who nominated Zeldin for the position and will set many federal environmental policy goals, has already released several environmental-related executive orders. These orders pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, expand U.S. oil and gas production, revoke former electric vehicle goals, and more.
