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Senate Confirms Trump's Nominee Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator in 56-42 Vote

Jan 29, 2025, 09:27 PM

On January 29, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a 56-42 vote. Zeldin, a former New York Congressman nominated by President Donald Trump, is expected to lead the agency in rolling back climate regulations established during the Biden administration, including measures aimed at reducing emissions from vehicles, power plants, and factories. His confirmation is seen by supporters as a move to return the EPA to its original mission of protecting the nation's air, land, and water without imposing costly regulations on the economy. Senator John Barrasso stated that Zeldin will help environmental protection and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Critics, however, point out that Zeldin has received $420,000 from the oil industry and fear he will prioritize corporate polluters over environmental safeguards. Zeldin has pledged to slash regulations and restore state primacy in environmental matters. Following his confirmation, Zeldin expressed gratitude to the 56 senators who voted for him and to President Trump for his nomination.