Washington D.C. - November 11, 2024 - In a move that reaffirms his commitment to reshaping America's environmental policy, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Congressman Lee Zeldin to serve as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This appointment marks the addition of another New Yorker to Trump's cabinet, following closely after the announcement of Representative Elise Stefanik as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Lee Zeldin, known for his tenure in Congress representing New York's 1st congressional district, brings a perspective of energy dominance and economic revitalization to the EPA. "I am deeply honored to have been asked by President Trump to serve in his Cabinet," Zeldin stated. He outlined his vision for the agency, emphasizing, "We will restore American energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, make the United States the global leader in Artificial Intelligence advancement, and slash the red tape holding back American workers from upward economic mobility, all while conserving our environment, protecting access to clean air and water, and keeping the American people healthy."

President-elect Trump expressed his confidence in Zeldin, saying, "I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time, and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations. I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor!"

Zeldin’s appointment comes at a time when environmental policies are under intense scrutiny. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely, given his past stances on regulatory reform and his advocacy for reducing what he describes as burdensome federal regulations. During his congressional career, Zeldin was noted for his efforts to shield Long Island from potentially harmful dredge waste, indicating a nuanced approach to environmental protection that balances economic interests.

The choice of Zeldin, a staunch Trump ally who served on the president's defense team during his first impeachment, signals a likely continuation of policies favoring deregulation, energy independence, and possibly contentious reforms within the EPA. This move has already sparked debate among environmental groups, industry stakeholders, and political analysts regarding the future direction of environmental governance in the U.S.

Environmental advocates have voiced concerns over potential rollbacks of existing regulations, while business sectors, particularly in energy and manufacturing, anticipate a more industry-friendly regulatory environment.

As the Trump administration prepares for its next term, the inclusion of figures like Zeldin and Stefanik, both from New York, might reflect a strategic effort to leverage regional political dynamics or could underscore Trump's preference for loyalists in key positions.

The Senate confirmation process for Zeldin is expected to be closely watched, given his previous political engagements and the current political climate around environmental issues. His confirmation could set the tone for how aggressively the administration plans to pursue its environmental and energy policy agenda.