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Trump Selects Lee Zeldin to Lead EPA and Roll Back Climate Regulations

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Representative Lee Zeldin as the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin is expected to roll back many of the Biden administration’s climate regulations, aligning with Trump’s deregulatory agenda while balancing environmental standards.

President-elect Donald Trump greets Lee Zeldin as he arrives to speak at a campaign event at a farm on Sept. 23, 2024, in Smithton, Pennsylvania. | Alex Brandon/AP

Trump Appoints Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Lee Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York, as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This decision aligns with Trump’s deregulatory agenda and was a notable surprise, as many anticipated former EPA head Andrew Wheeler would return to the position.

2. Zeldin’s Background and Alignment with Trump’s Agenda

Zeldin, a staunch ally of Trump, served in Congress from 2015 to 2023 and has been vocal about his support for “America First” policies. Trump praised Zeldin’s legal expertise and commitment to streamlining regulatory processes, aiming to enable American businesses to grow while maintaining environmental standards.

3. Focus on Rolling Back Biden-era Climate Regulations

If confirmed, Zeldin is expected to oversee the rollback of regulations set during Biden’s presidency, particularly those aimed at reducing pollution from power plants and vehicles. This would likely involve reducing funding for clean energy initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act, a key focus of the Biden administration.

4. Environmental Record and Stance on Climate Policies

While Zeldin was a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, his record on environmental issues has faced criticism from left-leaning environmental groups. He holds a 14% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. His recent policies, such as supporting natural gas fracking and opposing a gas-powered car ban, align closely with Trump’s energy approach.

5. Legal and Military Background

Zeldin holds a law degree from Albany Law School and served in the U.S. Army, where he worked in intelligence and as part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His legal background is expected to support his efforts in deregulation and environmental policy as he assumes his new role at the EPA.

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