Lee Zeldin Appointed EPA Administrator in President Trump’s Cabinet; Will Begin Slashing Regulations On Day One
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of New York has been named by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The announcement came lasy Monday, with Trump praising Zeldin’s qualifications and commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth.
In his statement, Trump highlighted Zeldin’s legal expertise and policy acumen, describing him as a “true fighter for America First policies.” He emphasized that Zeldin would focus on deregulation to empower American businesses while ensuring environmental integrity. “Lee will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, enabling the United States to grow in a healthy and structured manner,” Trump added.
Zeldin, who served New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “I’m honored to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator,” Zeldin said. “Our mission will be to restore American energy dominance, revitalize industries, and eliminate barriers to economic growth—all while conserving the environment and protecting access to clean air and water.”
Zeldin’s career has been marked by notable achievements in law, public service, and the military. At just 23 years old, he became New York’s youngest attorney. His military tenure includes serving as a military intelligence officer and deploying to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Zeldin continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Elected to the New York State Senate in 2010, Zeldin transitioned to Congress in 2014. During his time in the House of Representatives, he served on the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services committees and championed infrastructure initiatives, including preserving Plum Island and advocating for Army Corps of Engineers projects.
Zeldin also ran for governor of New York in 2022, achieving the highest vote total for a Republican candidate in the state in five decades.
This appointment signals the Trump administration’s intent to align environmental policy with economic objectives. While the EPA is traditionally known for its stringent regulatory measures, Zeldin’s leadership is expected to focus on reforming processes to expedite decision-making, foster innovation, and prioritize American energy independence.
Zeldin’s military background could bring a disciplined, mission-oriented approach to managing the EPA, a federal agency often mired in bureaucratic complexity. His previous efforts in Congress to safeguard New York’s natural resources, like Plum Island, suggest he values balanced solutions to environmental challenges. Furthermore, his emphasis on artificial intelligence and innovation aligns with the Trump administration’s broader goals of leveraging technology to drive economic growth and efficiency.
Zeldin will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Administrator. A simple majority vote is needed for confirmation.
