Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency
NBCNOV 20 2024
Zeldin, who served four terms in Congress representing Long Island, has a lifetime score of just 14% from the League of Conservation Voters and previously questioned the severity of global warming in 2014.
The nominee previously served in the U.S. Army between 2003 and 2007, holds a law degree from Albany Law School, and recently chaired the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute's China Policy Initiative.
Trump emphasized that Zeldin would ensure swift deregulatory decisions while maintaining environmental standards, specifically highlighting goals for clean air and water.
The selection of a nominee with minimal environmental policy experience and a poor conservation voting record threatens to undo crucial climate progress and environmental protections. This appointment demonstrates a clear intention to prioritize corporate interests over public health and environmental safety.