President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York State Representative Lee Zeldin (Republican) to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump said in a statement that Zeldin had a “very strong legal background” and was a “true fighter for America First.”
Trump added that he has known Zeldin “for a long time” and has seen him navigate “very difficult and complex situations.”
President Trump: “As the 45th and 47th Presidents of the United States, I am pleased to announce that Lee Zeldin, a highly respected former Congressman from New York, will be appointed Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).'' ” he said in his statement. “Mr. Lee had a very strong legal background and was a true fighter for America First. It will ensure fair and prompt decisions on deregulation that will be enacted in a power-releasing manner.”
President Trump “will set new standards for environmental review and maintenance that will enable America to grow in a healthy and well-structured way,” he added. “I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time and have seen him handle some very difficult and complex situations masterfully. I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration. He will quickly prove to be a great contributor.”
in post At X, Zeldin reacted to the news that he would be joining “Trump's cabinet as EPA administrator,” noting that they would restore “America's energy dominance” and “revitalize” the domestic auto industry.
“I am honored to join President Trump's Cabinet as EPA Administrator,” Zeldin said in the post. “We will restore America's energy advantage, revitalize the auto industry and bring back American jobs, and make America the world leader in AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water. I'm going.''
The announcement of Zeldin's addition to Trump's Cabinet comes after it was announced that House Speaker Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has been selected to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.
