Lee Zeldin on Thursday parried with senators over the incoming Trump administration’s plans for EPA as well as his own post-congressional finances.
Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for EPA administrator, appeared before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. If confirmed, the former New York Republican representative will be charged with leading a deregulatory drive and perhaps a downsizing effort at the agency.
It is a big job, but one Zeldin says he wants to accomplish in bipartisan fashion along with career staff at EPA, all the while upholding its charge of protecting the environment and public health.
“I want to be able to help lead this agency in a way that all of you on both sides of the aisle can be proud of, for us to be accountable and transparent,” Zeldin said, “I want maximum collaboration, not just with Congress, but internally within the EPA. I’ve been hugely impressed with the level of talent stepping up to serve at EPA.”
