Mr. Zeldin, a Trump loyalist, would be charged with dismantling climate rules and perhaps the agency itself. He faced questions from the Senate Thursday.

Utah’s newest GOP senator John Curtis praised President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asserting Lee Zeldin has a reputation for working across the aisle to get important environmental legislation done.

I believe that climate change is real," Lee Zeldin told senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee. He added that environmental policies should not hamper economic growth.

Long Island environmentalists offered mixed reviews of Lee Zeldin's answers during his Senate confirmation hearing for EPA administrator.

Throughout the hearing, Lee Zeldin underscored the importance of protecting the environment without hindering economic development. He stated, "We can, and we must, protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy.

Lee Zeldin, President-elect Trump's pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, testified at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin said that his role will be to help “unleash economic prosperity” — in part by cutting regulations.

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees Scott Bessent, Doug Burgum, Lee Zeldin and Scott Turner will sit for Senate confirmation hearings Thursday.

Since launching in 2021, America First Policy Institute has been known colloquially around Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump's "Cabinet in waiting."

Since launching in 2021, America First Policy Institute has been known colloquially around Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump's "Cabinet in waiting."

Donald Trump will return to Washington in 2025, becoming the second president to serve non-consecutive terms. Having stormed back to the presidency, Trump now looks to make good on his promises.