President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to head the Environmental Protection Agency, tasking the Long Island Republican with advancing his agenda to increase energy production and reduce regulations.
Donald Trump Appoints Lee Zeldin to Lead EPA
Trump’s Endorsement of Zeldin
In his announcement, Trump praised Zeldin, a Republican who represented Long Island for four terms, as “a true fighter for America First policies.” Trump emphasized Zeldin’s commitment to “prompt and equitable deregulatory actions” aimed at boosting American businesses while ensuring “the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water globally.” Trump added that under Zeldin’s leadership, the EPA would set “new benchmarks for environmental assessment and upkeep,” fostering growth in a sustainable and organized manner.
Zeldin’s Vision for the EPA
Expressing gratitude, Zeldin called it “an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator.” He outlined his priorities, which include “restoring U.S. energy supremacy,” revitalizing the automotive sector to create American jobs, and positioning the U.S. as a leader in artificial intelligence. He pledged that these objectives would not compromise Americans’ access to clean air and water.
Senate Confirmation Process
Zeldin’s appointment will require Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to hold a majority when the new Congress convenes in January.
EPA’s 2024 Budget and Workforce
The EPA’s fiscal year 2024 budget is $9.1 billion, with the agency employing 15,130 individuals.
Zeldin’s Stance on Deregulation
In a subsequent Fox News interview, Zeldin highlighted his intent to focus on “rolling back regulations” he sees as obstacles for American businesses. He criticized certain regulations supported by “the left wing” as detrimental to business growth.
Additional Staffing Announcements by Trump
Trump’s recent appointments also include campaign manager Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff and immigration hard-liner Tom Homan as “border czar.” The New York Post was the first to report Zeldin’s EPA appointment, marking Trump’s second major Cabinet selection for his upcoming term.
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Lee Zeldin: New EPA Candidate Profile
Lee Zeldin is a former U.S. Representative from New York and a prominent figure in Republican politics. Zeldin was born on January 30, 1980 in East Meadow, New York, and grew up on Long Island, where he was actively involved in state and federal politics. He graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in political science and earned his law degree from Albany Law School in 2003. After law school, Zeldin enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a military intelligence officer and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves.
Zeldin’s political career began in 2010 when he was elected to the New York State Senate to represent the 3rd Congressional District. As a state senator, he was noted for his very conservative views, especially in the areas of energy policy, public safety, and health care. From 2015 to 2023, he served four terms as the representative of New York’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was known for his unwavering support of conservative values and for advocating policies that promote national security, economic growth, and limited government.
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this role, Zeldin is expected to play a key role in President Trump’s energy and environmental policy agenda, which emphasizes increasing energy production, deregulation, and support for U.S. industry. Zeldin is known for his belief in balancing environmental protection and economic growth, and is an advocate of energy independence, and is expected to prioritize deregulation efforts at the EPA.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Michael Zeldin |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1980 |
| Birthplace | East Meadow, New York, USA |
| Education | University at Albany (BA), Albany Law School (JD) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel (Reserves) |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Family | Married, with two children |
Professional Information
| Position | Timeline | Key Responsibilities & Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Senator | 2010 – 2014 | Advocated conservative policies on state level |
| U.S. Congressman | 2015 – 2023 | Served New York’s 1st district, focused on national security and economic policy |
| Nominee for EPA Administrator | 2024 – Present | Expected to advance Trump’s energy agenda by increasing energy production and deregulation efforts |
Zeldin’s combination of military, legal, and political experience is seen as a strong foundation for his new role at the EPA. His leadership will likely influence major decisions impacting energy policy and environmental regulations in the years to come.