Trump Names Lee Zeldin for EPA Chief, Sparking Debate Over $38 Billion Climate Funding
Govind Tekale
Trump selects Lee Zeldin as EPA chief, sparking a new era of potential regulatory rollback amid heated climate debates.
Zeldin, who served in Congress from 2015 to 2023, brings a low 14% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters—one of New York’s lowest.
With the EPA’s $9.1 billion budget and 15,130 employees at stake, Zeldin’s leadership could mean sweeping changes for climate policy.
Zeldin plans to “roll back regulations” he says harm business, but environmental advocates warn this could weaken protections.
Trump also eyes a renewed withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and wants to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s $38 billion in climate funding.
Environmentalists, including Sierra Club’s Ben Jealous, say Zeldin’s agenda clashes with the EPA’s mission to protect health and the environment.
Zeldin argues for “energy dominance” and revitalizing American industries, while pledging clean air and water access—can both goals coexist?
92% of Biden’s climate law funds, totaling $103 billion, are already obligated, creating a major hurdle for Zeldin’s deregulatory plans.
With Senate confirmation pending, Zeldin’s leadership faces scrutiny as Republicans take the majority, potentially setting a new direction for the EPA.