Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, told senators on Tuesday that he is “passionate about the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.” “I support it,” he said, adding that he understands the basic science. About climate change.
But in an exchange with Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Mr. Zeldin said he would not be aggressively cutting greenhouse gases from smokestacks and tailpipes in the way the agency under President Biden had been doing. He did not commit to regulating the situation. Carbon emissions from transportation and power plants are a major cause of global warming.
Instead, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Zeldin reiterated that the agency's mission is to ensure “clean air and clean water,” but that climate action is central. He did not explicitly state that it was his responsibility.
Mr. Zeldin's tone was markedly different from that of a future president who called climate change a hoax and vowed to “repeal” many key EPA regulations, especially regarding climate change. Officials close to the Trump transition have also recommended expelling career EPA employees, eliminating scientific advisers and closing offices that help minority communities that disproportionately suffer from polluted air and water.
The nomination of Zeldin, 44, who ran unsuccessfully for New York governor in 2022, perplexed many because he has little experience in environmental regulation.
He struggled to answer detailed questions about chemical recycling from Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat. “I look forward to the opportunity to read what you are referring to,” Zeldin said.
Still, Mr. Zeldin and his supporters point out that his years represented the Long Island area. The district has miles of coastline and a tradition of bipartisan environmental protection. He is a Trump supporter and voted against certification of the 2020 election results. Friends say he has a long and loyal relationship with the president-elect.
Mr. Zeldin said in his opening statement to the committee: It's so encouraging to see such great talent stepping up to work at EPA. We couldn't be more excited to partner with EPA teams across the country to provide exceptional services to Americans. ”
“I look forward to fostering a collaborative culture within the agency and supporting our career employees who are committed to this mission.”
When Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat and one of the most vocal climate advocates on Capitol Hill, grilled the candidate on the basic science of climate change, Zeldin At first he was confused, but in the end he gave the correct answer.
“What are the effects of carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels?” White House says, referring to legally designated pollutants that are a major cause of global warming that is dangerously heating the planet asked Mr. Zeldin.
At first, Zeldin tried to avoid the question. “I'm someone who strongly believes that science and policy makers should work together, and I think we have a lot of talented scientists in our country who can provide that work,” he said.
But when Mr. Whitehouse pressed on, Mr. Zeldin correctly answered, “It traps heat,” adding, “Greenhouse gases trap heat.”
Zeldin said he supports career EPA employees, in contrast to the approach of Scott Pruitt, the EPA's first administrator during Trump's first term, who viewed career EPA employees as adversaries. , openly denied scientific evidence. He oversaw an era in which the nation's top regulator of air pollution, water pollution and industrial chemicals slashed budgets in the wake of climate change, leading to an exodus of employees and weakened enforcement of environmental regulations.
lisa friedman Contributed to the report.
