Lee Zeldin, Trump’s E.P.A. Nominee, Is Short on Environmental Experience

Lee Zeldin, Trump’s E.P.A. Nominee, Is Short on Environmental Experience

Former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, president-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, told senators on Thursday that he would “enthusiastically uphold” the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment and that he grasped the basic science of climate change.

Mr. Zeldin’s tone was markedly different from that of Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly called global warming a “hoax” and said he would “kill” major environmental regulations, particularly those aimed at fighting climate change.

People close to the Trump transition have also recommended ousting E.P.A. career staff, eliminating its scientific advisers, and closing an office that helps minority communities that disproportionately struggle with polluted air and water.

The nomination of Mr. Zeldin, 44, who ran unsuccessfully for governor of New York in 2022, baffled many, since he has little background in environmental regulation. Appearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Mr. Zeldin struggled to answer specific questions from some lawmakers about various environmental issues, telling them he was eager to learn about them.

Mr. Zeldin pointed to his years representing his Long Island district, which includes miles of coastline and has a bipartisan tradition of environmental conservation, as evidence of his environmental stewardship. He also was a member of the House Bipartisan Climate Caucus and voted in favor of a 2016 chemical safety law.

In his opening statement to the committee, Mr. Zeldin said, “I strongly believe we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come. It’s been so motivating to see the tremendous talent stepping up to serve at the E.P.A. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with our E.P.A. team nationwide, to exceptionally serve the American public.”

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