What states can expect from EPA admin Lee Zeldin By EPN Staff Lee Zeldin, the former New York congressman and state senator known for working across party lines on environmental and energy projects, has taken the reins at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is promising change. Zeldin’s nomination to the post received Senate confirmation late last month, with 56 Republican and Democratic senators supporting him for the post. As the new EPA administrator, Zeldin will shape policy that affects states in important ways, including through his commitment to streamline regulatory processes, promote responsible economic activity and maximize federal funds for clean-up efforts. Why it matters Zeldin has charted a five-point plan for his administration, emphasizing: Clean air, land and water: States can expect increased federal support for pollution control as the agency seeks to ramp up targeted clean-up efforts, improve emergency response capabilities and ensure tax dollars are spent efficiently on mission-critical tasks. Restoration of American energy dominance: Identifying and supporting ways to expand domestic energy production, including hydrocarbons, to bolster national security and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. Permitting reform, cooperative federalism and cross-agency partnership: Accelerating approvals for important projects and promoting economic growth through infrastructure and industrial investment. Making the U.S. the artificial intelligence capital of the world: Influencing innovation, investment and sustainability in states hosting data centers. Protecting and bringing back American auto jobs: States with strong automotive industries should benefit from efforts to streamline and modify regulations in support of job growth and domestic production. What others are saying While some opponents attacked Zeldin’s support for a more efficient regulatory apparatus, others attacked his congressional record, including his votes against the Inflation Reduction Act – estimated to cost more than $1 trillion over 10 years – and the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Supporters dismissed those claims, pointing instead to Zeldin’s bipartisan approach and his long record of environmental achievements, including preservation of Long Island Sound and Plum Island, and support for the Great American Outdoors Act, Save Our Seas Act and the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. He also has worked to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. “My good friend Lee Zeldin will make an excellent EPA Administrator,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. “Under President Trump’s leadership and with Lee at the helm of the EPA, we will unleash America’s energy dominance, revamp our auto industry, and roll back radical Green New Deal regulations.” More than 30 major industry and utility associations, including the National Association of Water Companies, the National Mining Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, praised Zeldin’s selection and supported his nomination. Additional context State governments work closely with EPA and can be authorized to manage federal programs, in accordance with federal law. The agency also oversees local government organizations’ compliance with federal regulations governing drinking water, wastewater, solid waste and stormwater. Zeldin is the 17th administrator of the EPA and will oversee an agency budget of more than $9 billion and a workforce estimated at 15,000. The agency has 10 regional offices and is responsible for a host of environmental-related duties, including developing and enforcing regulations, studying issues, issuing grants, publishing information and raising public awareness.
