What to Expect from Lee Zeldin, Trump’s Pick for EPA Administrator

After pulling off a win on election night, President Trump has begun the process of appointing his cabinet picks for his second and final term in the White House. Lee Zeldin, one of the president’s most ardent supporters, is on the verge of being confirmed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin is a former member of Congress who represented New York’s 1st congressional district for eight years in the House. In 2022, his gubernatorial bid in New York was unsuccessful, losing out to the current governor, Kathy Hochul.

Communities and advocates are rightfully feeling anxious about what Zeldin’s leadership means for environmental justice, climate, and broader protections for at least the next four years. Based on his congressional record and stated positions on environmental matters, we can forecast the approach he is likely to take regarding these crucial issues.

Views on Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and Regulation

Environmental justice is about doing what is right and just for all, in particular those that have been historically marginalized in this country, by providing equitable protection from environmental hazards and access to clean and clean water. Lee Zeldin’s record leaves much to be desired and demonstrates minimal dealings on EJ matters, suggesting these issues would therefore not be a priority when he leads the agency. Representing a coastal district on Long Island, Zeldin was responsive to some environmental concerns that directly impacted his constituents. 

Lee Zeldin. Credit: Gage Skidmore

His approach to national environmental and climate issues was much more conservative. As a congressman, Zeldin did not champion any policies that aimed to reduce environmental health disparities or protect vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change. But unlike many of his fellow party members (and his boss), Zeldin acknowledges climate change—however, he criticizes regulatory approaches to address it. Notably, Lee Zeldin supported the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, calling it a burden on American industries. 

His general stance was that environmental regulations should not hinder economic growth or harm industries such as energy, fishing, and tourism, which he argued are vital to the livelihoods of many Americans. His tenure at the EPA will mirror the previous Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda, which aimed to reduce the impact of environmental regulations on businesses. Lee Zeldin, who scored low on the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) environmental scorecard, often opposed federal policies intended to curb greenhouse gas emissions or protect public lands. He also frequently voted against the Clean Air Act, although Suffolk County (NY-1) ironically has some of the worst air quality in New York.

There is nothing particularly remarkable about his record on environmental justice and climate. He is a member of a party that has been exceptionally bad on these issues historically. He did support however, preserving the mercury and air toxics standards (MATS), voted no on slashing EPA’s water funding, and taking action on PFAS contamination.

Where This Leaves Environmental and Climate Justice Advocates

Environmental and climate justice advocates face an uphill battle for the immediate future and what happens after that is really up in the air. During Trump’s first term, the EPA rolled back numerous regulations, arguing they hindered economic progress, something the President maintained when he announced his EPA appointment. As EPA Administrator, Zeldin will likely align with this approach, favoring market solutions and minimal regulatory intervention—with little emphasis on broader environmental and climate justice initiatives.

This will lead to fewer federal efforts to address pollution in disadvantaged communities or to enforce strict air and water quality standards if they are seen as obstacles to economic activity. For frontline and fence-line communities, and for advocates who have pushed for stronger environmental justice and climate action, Zeldin’s appointment to the EPA could not have come at a worse time.

Tan and brown bird perches on a tree branch.
Ruffed grouse. Credit: USFWS Midwest Region

The emphasis on economic impact and regulatory restraint may result in fewer protections for the most overburdened communities, especially on issues such as extreme weather, heat waves, and industrial pollution. For these groups, Zeldin’s appointment represents a continuation of the same challenges seen during the first Trump administration.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

I do not care for any positive spin or calls for resilience in this moment—because that was necessary even before the election results on November 5th. The fact of the matter is, it is as bad as it looks. Zeldin’s EPA nomination highlights the need for continued advocacy and public support to ensure that those from disproportionately impacted communities are heard and protected amid the significant environmental challenges that lie ahead. 

As climate change impacts grow more severe and as public awareness of environmental justice issues develops, the EPA’s role in these areas is more crucial than ever. Although policies that address the disproportionate impact of pollution on low-income and minority communities will likely not be a major focus under Lee Zeldin’s leadership, advocates and communities focused on achieving environmental justice may have an avenue for solutions at the state and local level.

For advocacy organizations, it is incumbent to take up the mantle of pushing for policies that address these disparities in the absence of strong federal action—and to support frontline and fence-line communities, especially over the next two to four years. NWF will continue to be devoted to partnering with environmental justice advocates and supporting policies that prioritize the needs of communities.

So meditate, hit the gym, spend time outdoors, cry—do whatever you need to do to cope—and then we have to get back to work. Because history is not static, it is constantly evolving. The story of environmental justice does not end here.