Lee Zeldin was confirmed by the Senate last week as the next administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by a vote of 56-42 as three Democrats crossed the aisle to support President Donald Trump’s pick for environmental chief.
Zeldin served as a New York Congressman from 2015 to 2023 and mounted an unsuccessful run for New York governor in 2022. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and currently serves in the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. He previously served as the youngest attorney general in New York’s history, taking the position at age 23.
It remains to be seen what Zeldin’s environmental priorities will be, particularly on water. During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing in January, Zeldin expressed interest in taking on the PFAS issue, which some in the water sector have deemed a priority, and said he supports the “polluter pays” principle for PFAS cleanup and protecting water systems from cost burdens.
“I have been continually impressed by Congressman Zeldin’s character, and his dedication to our country through service in both the U.S. Army and Congress,” said Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.). “I am confident he will perform the role of EPA administrator exceptionally well and be a central member of President Trump’s cabinet as they enact policies and solutions to the environment, infrastructure, and energy challenges of our time.”
“Lee Zeldin’s Congressional experience and commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth make him well-suited to lead the EPA in the new administration,” said Robert F. Powelson, President and CEO, National Association of Water Companies. “His understanding of the challenges faced by the regulated, private water industry, along with his collaborative approach to policymaking, shows he has what it takes to effectively lead the EPA in achieving its mission.”
“During his time in Congress Mr. Zeldin also took an active interest in issues affecting the water sector,” said Tom Dobbins, CEO, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). “AMWA strongly believes that Lee Zeldin is the right person to lead EPA during this consequential time, and we look forward to working with him to promote policies that will ensure the United States continues to have the safest and most accessible drinking water in the world.”
On Monday, Zeldin was expected to join Vice President JD Vance on a trip to East Palestine, Ohio, for an update on the environmental crisis that occurred when a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed there exactly two years ago on Feb. 3, 2023.
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