Official U.S. Senate confirmation vote records

EPA Nominee Lee Zeldin Vows to Restore Energy Dominance, Implement Trump's Policies, Admits Climate Change Is Real

Jan 16, 2025, 03:43 PM

Lee Zeldin, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in his confirmation hearing on January 16, 2025. Zeldin pledged to restore America's energy dominance by implementing Trump's America First energy policies, which he said would revitalize the auto industry and make the U.S. a global leader in artificial intelligence. He criticized the Biden-Harris administration for destroying American industry and costing jobs across the energy sector. Emphasizing the need to protect the environment without hindering economic growth, Zeldin stated, 'We can, and we must, protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy.' During the hearing, Senator Bernie Sanders questioned Zeldin on his stance on climate change, asking if he agreed with President-elect Trump's view that climate change is a hoax. Zeldin replied, 'I believe that climate change is real.' Zeldin also highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, asserting that the EPA should be a partner to states rather than an out-of-touch regulator. He addressed concerns about PFAS pollution, affirming the EPA's responsibility to implement obligations correctly. Additionally, Zeldin expressed concerns about China's role in global climate efforts, indicating that China is not doing enough. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and John Barrasso expressed support for Zeldin, with Barrasso noting his understanding of the importance of federal partnership with states.