Lee Zeldin chosen to be Trump's EPA administrator
Washington — Former Rep. Lee Zeldin is President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
In a statement, Trump said the former New York congressman has "very strong legal background" and "will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions," while also "maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet."
"He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way," Trump said.
The agency enforces environmental laws and regulations and leads the federal government's efforts to protect the environment.
During's Trump's first term as president, his administration rolled back nearly 100 environmental rules, including removing protections from many wetlands and weakening limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and vehicles, according to a New York Times analysis. He also withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, backing out of the 2015 pact to reduce planet-warming emissions — which President Biden later rejoined.
Zeldin, who was in Congress from 2015 to 2023, said he had accepted the position, calling it an honor. The EPA administrator has to be confirmed by the Senate, although the incoming Senate will be controlled by Republicans, making it a smoother path for Trump's picks.
"We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water," Zeldin wrote on social media.
The New York Post first reported the pick.