Govind Tekale
The selection of Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency administrator marks another chapter in America’s complex environmental policy history. Having covered environmental regulations since the EPA’s creation in 1970, I’ve observed the pendulum swing between stringent oversight and deregulation. This appointment suggests another such pivot.
Trump announced Zeldin’s selection on Monday, praising the former New York representative’s “legal background” and commitment to “America First policies.” The 44-year-old former congressman, who served New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, brings a 14% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters – the lowest in the New York delegation as of 2020.
The EPA, operating with a $9.1 billion budget and 15,130 employees in fiscal year 2024, faces potential substantial changes. Zeldin’s appointment arrives as the agency grapples with implementing the Biden administration’s climate initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act’s $38.3 billion in environmental programs.
In his Fox News interview, Zeldin outlined plans to “roll back regulations” he claims hamper business operations. “There are regulations that the left wing of this country have been advocating through regulatory power that ends up causing businesses to go in the wrong direction,” he stated.
The proposed policy shift could affect several key environmental programs. Trump has indicated plans to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord – reprising a decision from his first term. The administration also aims to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, which designated billions for clean energy expansion and greenhouse gas reduction.
Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous expressed strong opposition: “Our lives, our livelihoods, and our collective future cannot afford Lee Zeldin — or anyone who seeks to carry out a mission antithetical to the EPA’s mission.”
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Zeldin’s vision emphasizes “energy dominance” while claiming to maintain environmental standards. “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 posted on X.
His congressional record shows consistent opposition to major environmental legislation. He voted against Biden’s climate law and the bipartisan infrastructure law, which included funding for clean school buses, toxic site cleanup, and lead pipe replacement.
The Biden administration has already obligated 92% ($103 billion) of the climate law’s funding as of October 2024. This includes programs for clean energy rebates, coastal community protection against rising seas, and pollution reduction from oil and gas operations.
Zeldin’s appointment requires Senate confirmation, where Republicans will hold a majority when the new Congress convenes in January. The transition poses complex technical challenges, particularly regarding established programs and funding commitments.
As someone who witnessed the creation of the Clean Air Act amendments in 1970 and subsequent environmental battles, this appointment represents another inflection point in American environmental policy. The tension between economic growth and environmental protection continues, with implications for air quality standards, water protection, and climate change response.
The EPA’s direction under Zeldin would likely prioritize regulatory reduction while claiming to maintain environmental standards. However, the established funding and programs from the Biden era may prove difficult to dismantle completely, creating a complex regulatory landscape for businesses and environmental advocates alike.
