Senate Confirms Former Rep. Lee Zeldin as EPA Chief
The Senate voted on Wednesday to confirm former Representative Lee Zeldin as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a decision that came with a 56-42 vote. Zeldin, an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and former congressman from New York, was previously selected by President Donald Trump to lead the agency.
During his confirmation hearing, Zeldin promised to “foster a collaborative culture within the agency” and support career staff dedicated to environmental protection. He also expressed a commitment to being a “good steward of the environment” for future generations.
Zeldin’s confirmation marks a significant move forward for President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues to push through confirmations. The former congressman has been an advocate for environmental issues and has spoken publicly about the need for collaborative solutions to address environmental challenges.
In his new role, Zeldin will be responsible for leading the EPA in its mission to survey environmental issues, provide assistance to environmental projects, and establish rules aligned with the administration’s views on environmental protection and climate change.
