11th November, 2024
Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In his announcement, Trump stated that Zeldin will “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions,” aiming to “unleash the power of American businesses, while maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”
Trump emphasized that Zeldin will “set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, allowing the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.”
Zeldin, in a statement on X, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, calling it an honour to join Trump’s team. “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and position the US as a global leader in AI, all while safeguarding access to clean air and water,” he said.
The EPA has extensive authority over pollution control and climate-related issues. Zeldin’s appointment will require Senate confirmation, where a Republican majority is expected to facilitate his approval.