By Caitlin Yilek
/ CBS News
Trump begins to fill Cabinet
Washington — Former Rep. Lee Zeldin is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
In a statement, Trump said the former New York congressman has “very strong legal background” and “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions,” while also “maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”
“He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way,” Trump said.
Zeldin, who was in Congress from 2015 to 2023, said it was an honor to join Trump’s administration. The EPA administrator has to be confirmed by the Senate, although the incoming Senate will be controlled by Republicans, making a smoother transition for Trump’s picks.
“We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” Zeldin wrote on social media.
The New York Post first reported the pick.
- In:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Donald Trump
Caitlin Yilek
Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.
Source: CBS News
