President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency in his administration. Trump described Zeldin as a fighter for “America First policies” and praised him for his commitment to maintaining high environmental standards while unleashing the power of American businesses. Zeldin, a former four-term House Republican from Long Island, expressed his honor in joining Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator and outlined his priorities of restoring US energy dominance, revitalizing the auto industry, and making the US a global leader in AI, all while protecting clean air and water.
Zeldin’s appointment as head of the EPA marks Trump’s second Cabinet pick for his second term in office. Trump has also made other staffing announcements, such as naming Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff and Tom Homan as “border czar.” The president-elect has signaled his intent to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy expansion. Environmentalists have criticized Zeldin’s appointment, with Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous calling him unqualified and anti-American, arguing that Trump and Zeldin’s agenda is counter to the EPA’s mission and progress on environmental protection.
Republicans praised Zeldin for his performance in the 2022 New York governor race, where he had a surprisingly close contest with Democrat Kathy Hochul, ultimately losing with 46.7% of the vote compared to Hochul’s 53.1%. Some Republicans credited Zeldin’s campaign for helping to flip four House seats in New York that year, including that of former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Zeldin’s background as a House Republican and his recent political efforts in New York have positioned him for his new role leading the EPA under Trump’s administration.
The selection of Zeldin to head the EPA reflects Trump’s continued focus on deregulation and prioritization of American businesses. Zeldin’s experience as a former House Republican and his recent political campaigns have earned him recognition among Republicans for his role in influencing election outcomes in New York. As Trump prepares for his second term in office, his choice of Zeldin to oversee the EPA demonstrates a commitment to his agenda of energy dominance, job creation, and leadership in technology while also aiming to maintain environmental standards.
Zoë Richards, a politics reporter for NBC News, reported on Zeldin’s appointment to the EPA and the reactions from environmentalists and Republicans. The announcement of Zeldin’s new role in Trump’s administration comes amidst other staffing announcements, including key positions within the White House and on immigration policy. Trump’s priorities around environmental policy, energy dominance, and economic revitalization are likely to be central to Zeldin’s agenda as he takes on his new role at the EPA. The contentious nature of Trump’s environmental policies and the appointment of Zeldin are indicative of ongoing debates and challenges within the environmental and political spheres.
In conclusion, the appointment of Lee Zeldin as head of the EPA under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration underscores the administration’s focus on deregulation, economic growth, and environmental standards. Zeldin’s background as a former House Republican and his recent political efforts in New York have positioned him for his new role leading the EPA. Despite criticism from environmentalists, Republicans have praised Zeldin for his impact on recent election outcomes in New York. Trump’s agenda for his second term, including energy dominance and job creation, is likely to shape Zeldin’s approach to environmental policy as he takes on this important role in the administration.
