United States: Former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who was tapped by President-elect Donald J. Trump for the job of running the Environmental Protection Agency, told senators on Thursday that he would “enthusiastically” support the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment, and seemed to understand the basics of climate science.
The exception was Mr. Zeldin, whose language was considerably softer than that of Mr. Trump, who once called global warming a ‘hoax’ and who vowed to ‘kill’ several major environmental measures, more specifically, those combating climate change.
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Those close to Trump’s transition also have suggested getting rid of career staff at E.P.A., stripping away the scientific advisers it uses, and shutting down an agency whose purpose is to assist minority populations affected by polluted air and water, hence receiving a disproportionate amount of dirty water supplies among others, the New York Times reports.
The reports suggest that the nomination of Mr. Zeldin, 44, who unsuccessfully sought New York governor in 2022, came as a surprise, given his lack of experience in managing environmental rules.

Mr. Zeldin, who was attending a sitting by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, was put on the spot by some of the lawmakers when he failed to answer specific questions on varied environmental issues and informed the lawmakers that he wanted to be acquainted with them.
Mr. Zeldin cited his many years in the assembly representing his Long Island district, which has many miles of shoreline and has always been a bipartisan stronghold on the environment, as his environmental record.
He also served in the House Bipartisan Climate Caucus and supported the 2016 bill that concerns chemical safety.
As per the New York Times report, in his opening statement to the committee, Mr. Zeldin stated, “I strongly believe we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come. It’s been so motivating to see the tremendous talent stepping up to serve at the E.P.A. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with our E.P.A. team nationwide to exceptionally serve the American public.”

“I will foster a collaborative culture within the agency, supporting career staff who have dedicated themselves to this mission,” he added.
However, as a congressman, he opposed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – the most ambitious climate legislation in history – and he refused to certify the 2020 election and endorsed Trump for president.
According to OpenSecrets, which manages records of political finances, Mr. Zeldin obtained more than USD 270,000 in Campaign funds in the oil and gas industry throughout his political endeavors.