Donald Trump on Monday nominated former congressman and early Republican loyalist Lee Zeldin to oversee US environmental policy, the latest in a series of quick Cabinet choices by the president-elect.
If confirmed by the US Senate as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Trump said Zeldin would be charged with making “swift regulatory decisions” aimed at rolling back protections enacted by the Joe Biden administration.
“Lee, who has a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies,” Trump said in announcing his choice.
Zeldin, 44, a former four-term congressman from New York state, will ensure “fair and speedy regulatory decisions that are enacted in a way that unleashes the power of American businesses, while maintaining the highest environmental standards.” standards including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”
Trump is a global warming skeptic who has mocked Democrats on climate change policy. During his first presidential run in 2016, he said of the EPA: “We’re going to get rid of it in almost every form” and leave “little things” in operation.
During his first term, the EPA faced considerable restructuring and budget cuts, and many of its regulatory roles were rolled back.
In his four years in office, Biden has tightened environmental limits, including pollution standards for cars and light trucks, aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The outgoing Democrat also introduced rules aimed at reducing industry emissions of planet-warming methane and toxic mercury.
Trump has long suggested that his administration would take a tougher stance toward Biden’s more restrictive environmental policies if elected.
Zeldin thanked Trump at the event, saying he would “work to restore American energy dominance, revive our auto industry to bring back American jobs… while protecting access to clean air and water.” “
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