Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator. Like many of Trump’s other Cabinet members, Zeldin raises serious concerns about the future of the clean energy economy, environmental regulations and sustainability policies, and America’s financial security.
In response, Unlocking America’s Future Spokesperson Kyle Herrig said the following:
“From being paid to push anti-responsible investing policies to receiving massive campaign donations from the oil and gas industry, Lee Zeldin is bought and paid for by Big Oil. That’s why Lee Zeldin’s confirmation as EPA Administrator is a significant setback for environmental protection and the fight against climate change. By pushing an extreme agenda that attacks sustainability and prioritizes the interests of oil and gas companies, Zeldin jeopardizes the health of our environment and the financial security of American consumers, workers, and businesses. The American people deserve better.”
Additional Background:
- At his confirmation hearing, Zeldin stated that carbon dioxide is not considered a pollutant and was questioned about his campaign donations from the oil and gas industry.
- Business Insider reported that Zeldin made $186,000 from paid op-eds and speeches where he criticized ESG and responsible investing policies.
- In August 2024, Zeldin published a guest essay in New York Newsday entitled “War on ESG investing must shift focus to proxy advisers.” In the essay, Zeldin attacked “Wall Street and special interests” for trying to “force environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, policies into our workplace, retirements, and lives.”
- In another op-ed published in March 2023 for Real Clear Policy, Zeldin called on Congress to investigate ESG practices and the nonprofit watchdog Better Markets.
There is every indication that Zeldin was selected for the role of EPA Administrator because of his loyalty to Donald Trump and that he will fulfill Trump’s agenda to “kill” and “cancel” EPA rules and regulations regarding climate change.
