Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin said it can “absolutely” ensure that the various deregulation efforts that the agencies have received will not harm the environment.
Zeldin joined CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday and was asked if deregulation could prevent it from causing negative effects.
“Absolutely,” he replied. “We have to protect the environment and grow our economy.”
Zeldin argued that it was something the American people were demanding from the Trump administration. He criticized Biden-era regulations “targeting the industry as a whole.”
“When Americans went to vote last November, they were talking about financial concerns: “You can choose whether you can warm up your home, fill your fridge with groceries, or buy prescription medicines.”
Zeldin’s remarks come about a month after the Trump administration released a list of climate and pollution regulations they are about to dismantle.
Under the reversed regulations, some of the Biden administration’s most defended measures, such as an increase in electric vehicles and a rapid closure of coal mines.
The Trump administration said it is considering restrictions on neurotoxic mercury from power plants and general air pollution restrictions on soot. It also reconsiders how climate change poses a threat to the public and lays a regulatory foundation for future climate action.
The agency also indicated that it would be closing offices dedicated to combating pollution in underserved and minority communities.
Zeldin said last month that deregulation efforts will make it easier for Americans to buy cars and warm homes.
Environmentalists warned about the administration’s plans, but Zeldin was convinced that the public and the environment would not be affected negatively.
Zeldin points out that there is a process of public comment, and he encourages the public to “measure” when they get the opportunity.
“I have zero tolerance for waste and abuse. It’s my duty to ensure I am an extraordinary steward of taxes,” Zeldin said.
