President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency — former Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin — is preparing for his confirmation hearing scheduled for next Thursday.
While environmental and climate advocates are raising concerns about what they see as Zeldin’s mixed record on climate matters, so far he appears to face few obstacles to confirmation.
Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, described Zeldin as “wholly unqualified” to head the EPA, while also noting, “He actually admits that climate change exists.”
“That's a low bar, but other people have set it,” he continued.
During his time in Congress, Zeldin cast some votes that climate advocates support. He backed a crackdown on toxic forever chemicals as well as a drilling ban off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Zeldin has separately touted his efforts to secure funding to help protect the Long Island sound.
However, much of his record worries environmental groups.
Running for New York governor in 2022, he called for ending the state’s ban on fracking. And as a congressman, he — like all Republicans — opposed President Joe Biden’s signature climate bill, the Inflation Reduction Act.
“He voted against the CHIPS Act, which has brought a ton of manufacturing of [semiconductor] chips that are necessary in order for us to build [electric vehicles], build batteries, all of that,” Jealous said.
Since Trump tapped him to head the EPA, Zeldin has said his goals include “restor[ing]” U.S. energy dominance and boosting the auto industry, alongside protecting clean air and water.
“Day one and the first 100 days, we have the opportunity to roll back regulations that are forcing businesses to be able to struggle,” he said during a November appearance on Fox News.
Messaging like this has contributed to concerns Zeldin will be a rubber stamp for Trump and the oil industry.
Alexandra Adams, chief policy advocacy officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council, argued Zeldin “would have to reject a lot of what this administration has promised to do in order to live up to the duties that are required of somebody who would lead the EPA.”
The Biden administration put fighting climate change at the top of its agenda, with massive spending and new regulations. Advocates warn a change of course now under Trump and Zeldin could be devastating.
“We're at a really critical time where a new administration that turns the tables fully backwards could really wound this country economically, quality of life and health,” Adams said.
Zeldin's confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is scheduled for Jan. 16.