Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead EPA, has relied heavily on industries including finance and real estate in his past campaigns for office.
The Republican former Long Island congressman and unsuccessful New York gubernatorial candidate has not gotten significant campaign cash from energy or other interests that could complicate his leadership at EPA, a review of federal and state campaign finance records show. That’s in contrast to some previous Republican EPA leaders, like Scott Pruitt, who received significant campaign support from oil and natural gas companies, including a $50,000 contribution from the coal mining company then known as Murray Energy.
If confirmed, Zeldin will head an agency under Trump that will likely seek to undo many of President Joe Biden’s environment and climate policies and to stymie implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Zeldin has brought in big money from donors like cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder, casino magnate Steve Wynn, investment adviser Matthew Bruderman and private equity investor Thomas Tisch. He also brought in smaller amounts from leaders in the trash and recycling business, like metals executive and climate change advocate Andrew Sabin, waste management mogul Anthony Lomangino, and the owners of Gershow Recycling, as well as Adam Beren, the head of oil and natural gas producer Berexco.
