Lee Zeldin Appointed as the New Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
4:30 PM – Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Former Republican Representative Lee Zeldin has received confirmation from the United States Senate to serve as the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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On Wednesday, Zeldin was confirmed by a vote of 56-to-42.
Democratic Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) joined Republicans in supporting his confirmation.
In a statement, President Donald Trump praised Zeldin, stating that he “has been a true fighter for America First politics.”
“He will ensure fair and prompt deregulatory decisions that will be implemented in a way to unleash the potential of American businesses while maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet,” Trump remarked. “He will establish new standards for environmental review and maintenance that will facilitate healthy growth in the United States.”
Zeldin concluded his congressional career in 2023.
He frequently addressed various issues concerning the current U.S. military, national security, anti-Semitism, U.S.-Israel relations, illegal immigration, and crime—both on behalf of Trump and during his own campaign. In 2016, Zeldin also advocated for transferring around 150 square miles of federal waters in Long Island Sound to state jurisdiction for New York and Rhode Island.
Trump often referenced Zeldin’s strong performance in the 2022 gubernatorial race to emphasize his electability in New York, a predominantly Democratic state, where Zeldin outperformed expectations against Governor Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.).
Trump himself also saw improved results in New York compared to previous elections, particularly in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, though he ultimately did not win the state.
Meanwhile, Republican officials celebrated Zeldin’s confirmation, noting that he is well-positioned to further Trump’s deregulatory initiatives from the helm of the EPA.
“Lee is ready to dismantle the mountains of outdated regulations at the EPA, restoring state primacy and common sense,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) stated in a written statement. “I am eager to collaborate with him as he brings accountability back to the EPA, ensuring the bureaucracy serves the people it is meant to help.”
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