Lee Zeldin picked to lead EPA, raising questions on environmental priorities

As President-elect Trump’s choice for Environmental Protection Agency administrator, former Representative Lee Zeldin faces scrutiny over his mixed record on environmental issues and limited experience in climate policy.

Nicholas Fandos and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.

In short:

Zeldin’s nomination surprised many, as he lacks a substantial background in climate and energy policy, though he’s been vocal on issues like economic growth.
On Long Island, he has supported local conservation efforts, including the protection of Plum Island, yet he opposes broad climate initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Environmental advocates express concerns over his alignment with Trump’s deregulatory agenda, questioning if he will prioritize environmental protection.

Key quote:

“There are regulations the left wing of this country have been advocating through regulatory power that ends up causing businesses to go in the wrong direction.”

— Lee Zeldin

Why this matters:

For those expecting the EPA to address urgent climate issues—rising sea levels, wildfire intensity, chemical exposure in communities—Zeldin’s environmental philosophy could represent a new hurdle, one that makes balancing economic and environmental health a tense, ongoing battle. Read more: Donald Trump wins US presidency. What that could mean for the environment.

www.nytimes.com

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