Lee Zeldin, a former congressman from Long Island, made headlines during a recent Senate hearing. He is nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and stated clearly that he won’t prioritize industry over environmental protection. Zeldin said, “climate change is real,” responding to concerns raised by lawmakers during his nomination process.
At the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Zeldin faced questions from both sides of the aisle. Republicans encouraged him to give more authority to states regarding environmental issues, while Democrats pushed him to be more aggressive in tackling problems like climate change, drought, and rising sea levels.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) asked the crucial question: would Zeldin follow scientific evidence and protect air, water, and climate, or merely support harmful policies? Zeldin assured the committee that he would uphold the EPA’s mission impartially.
In his opening statement, Zeldin emphasized the need to blend American innovation with environmental conservation. He pointed out his bipartisan efforts during his time in Congress, including protecting Long Island Sound and Plum Island, supporting the Great American Outdoors Act, and tackling ocean plastic pollution.
When asked about climate change, Zeldin distanced himself from former President Donald Trump’s view that it is a hoax, affirming, “I believe that climate change is real.” However, his nomination faces opposition from environmental groups due to his past voting record, where he received a mere 14% rating from the League of Conservation Voters. Critics highlighted his previous vote to cut $2 billion from the EPA.
Senator Whitehouse raised concerns about Zeldin’s links to “dark money” organizations funding his anti-climate messaging. Zeldin countered that no financial contributions would sway his decisions if confirmed. He stated, “There is no donation… that is going to influence any decision that I make in this position.”
Zeldin dodged some questions, like whether he still stood by his 2016 comments on reducing fossil fuel reliance for environmental stewardship. Instead, he suggested that in an ideal world, the cleanest energy sources would be pursued.
To address environmental emergencies, Zeldin promised that the EPA would assist California in wildfire recovery, similar to the support provided to Long Island after Superstorm Sandy. He also showed willingness to collaborate with Republican senators on local environmental issues, such as methane gas leaks.
If confirmed, Zeldin will join a team that supports business interests in environmental policy. This team includes David Fotouhi, nominated as deputy director, and Ed Russo, who has previous ties to the Trump Organization. The committee, led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), plans to meet again soon to discuss Zeldin’s nomination further.
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