Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency
NBCNOV 20 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York Representative Lee Zeldin, 44, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, making this his second Cabinet appointment for his upcoming administration.Pres.-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York Representative Lee Zeldin, 44, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, making this his second Cabinet appointment for his upcoming administration.
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.Zeldin, who served four terms in Congress representing Long Island, has a lifetime score of 14% from the League of Conservation Voters, questions the severity of global warming, and doesn't support the Paris climate agreement.
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.Zeldin served in the US 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.
The appointment signals a strong commitment to unleashing American business potential through environmental deregulation while maintaining high standards for clean air and water. Zeldin's legal background and experience make him well-suited to navigate complex regulatory challenges and restore American energy dominance.
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.