President-elect Donald Trump has announced his pick for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, choosing former New York Representative Lee Zeldin.
In his new role, Zeldin is expected to lead significant regulatory reforms supporting Trump's "America First" policy agenda, Fox News reported.
Lee Zeldin, hailing from New York’s 1st Congressional District, has had a successful career in both the legal field and politics. He served as a U.S. Congressman from 2015 until 2023, after which he made a strong showing in the 2022 gubernatorial race.
Zeldin was not only the youngest attorney in New York State at the age of 23 but also had an extensive military background. He served four years in the Army in roles such as military intelligence officer and military magistrate, including a deployment to Iraq in 2006 with the 82nd Airborne Division.
After his military service, Zeldin continued his career in public service and won election to the New York State Senate in 2010.
In addition, He stayed until 2014 before successfully running for Congress, where he served on committees including the House Foreign Affairs and House Financial Services committees.
During his time in Congress, Lee Zeldin backed several key projects, including the preservation of Plum Island and supporting initiatives by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Responding to his appointment, Lee Zeldin expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for the EPA under his leadership. He emphasized restoring U.S. energy dominance and advancing the U.S. auto industry and AI technologies, all while safeguarding environmental standards.
Here is what President-elect Donald Trump had to say about Zeldin's appointment:
Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.
Trump further emphasized Zeldin's capabilities to handle complex situations, expressing confidence in his swift adjustment to the role.
Lee Zeldin brings to the table a rich blend of legal expertise, military discipline, and congressional experience. His varied roles have prefaced him for leadership at the EPA, where he aims to strike a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth.
Zeldin’s commitment to public service, as a continuation of his service in the U.S. Army Reserve where he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, is expected to influence his tenure at the EPA.
In conclusion, Trump's administration appointed Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator as part of a broader strategy to enforce regulatory frameworks that benefit U.S. industries while maintaining high environmental quality. His background in law, military, and politics serves as an asset in advancing these objectives.
