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Trump’s EPA pick, Lee Zeldin, recognizes climate change without declaring it an urgent crisis during confirmation hearing

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin (R), who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Environmental Protection Agency, appeared in the Senate. confirmation hearing Thursday morning.

In his nomination announcement, President Trump highlighted Zeldin's “very strong legal background” and called him a “true warrior for America First.”

“That's what the scientists say.”

“President Trump will ensure fair and swift decisions on deregulation enacted in a way that unleashes the power of American businesses while maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on earth,” Trump said. I guess so.'' I wrote. “The President will set new standards for environmental review and maintenance that will enable America to grow in a healthy and well-structured manner.”

Zeldin's confirmation hearing took a much lighter tone than those for other Trump nominees, as senators joked throughout the session.

Zeldin promised that if confirmed, he would be available to all lawmakers.

“One of my biggest frustrations as a member of the House was sending letters, sending follow-up letters, and sending letters again,” he told senators. “Then you go to a hearing and follow up on your third letter, and the person testifying before you treats your first, second, and third letters as if they were You are acting as if you did not receive the letter.”

“That cooperation is very important,” he said.

During his confirmation hearing, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (DR.I.) noted that President Trump had called climate change a “hoax” and questioned whether Zeldin would “follow the science.”

The White House asked, “Is carbon dioxide a pollutant?”

Zeldin responded, “As far as the carbon dioxide emissions coming from you, I would say 'no' during that question.” When it comes to large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, which scientists and Congress are also concerned about, this is certainly an issue that the EPA needs to focus on. ”

“Is it true that heat trapped from carbon dioxide emissions and methane in the atmosphere is heating the oceans?” the White House asked.

“That's what the scientists tell me, Senator,” Zeldin replied.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (R-Vermont) pressed Zeldin about President Trump's “false” statements about climate change.

“Do you think climate change is an existential threat?” Sanders asked.

Zeldin acknowledged that he believes climate change is occurring, but stopped short of calling it an existential crisis.

“I believe climate change is real,” he said.

He told Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.S.C.) that he supports encouraging countries that are not environmentally friendly, particularly China and India, to adopt changes.

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