Photo: Alamy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially has a new administrator after the Senate confirmed former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin on Wednesday afternoon.
In a 56-42 vote, Zeldin sailed to his new position with all 53 Republican senators voting in favor, along with Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of Arizona and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
Zeldin celebrated the victory in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “CONFIRMED! Thank You to the 56 Senators for your vote and confidence,” Zeldin wrote.
During his confirmation hearing with the Environment and Public Works Committee, Zeldin touted his record of fighting for clean waterways and limiting pollution in New York. He promised to focus on protecting the environment and the economy.
He told lawmakers that the Trump administration would “do everything in our power to harness the greatness of American innovation with the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship.”
Notably, Zeldin did not fall victim to the Democrats’ claim that President Trump called climate change a hoax. During his confirmation hearing, he corrected the record, telling lawmakers that Trump’s concern was “about the economic costs of some policies” geared toward climate change.
Zeldin said the EPA would utilize the “cleanest” and “greenest” energy solutions without placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on energy producers.
When announcing his EPA nominee, Trump emphasized Zeldin’s legal background as beneficial for ensuring “fair and swift deregulatory decisions” while “maintaining the highest environmental standards.”
Zeldin shared several supportive posts from lawmakers ahead of the vote.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, who wrote, “As head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin will return the agency to its original mission of protecting America’s air, water, and land without hurting the economy.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis, R-WY, posted a photo of herself and Zeldin, captioning it with, “I am proud to stand by my friend Lee Zeldin to push his confirmation across the finish line. After four years of disastrous environmental policy, Lee Zeldin will restore commonsense and prosperity back out west. The Golden Age of America begins now!”
Following Zeldin’s confirmation, the Senate broke the filibuster with a 78-20 vote to advance former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s nomination for Interior Secretary to a final vote. His confirmation vote will take place on Thursday evening unless the Democrats agree to limit debate to less than 30 hours.