WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to Unleash American Greatness as Head of EPA
WASHINGTON – On January 29, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin was confirmed by a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate and subsequently sworn in as the 17th EPA Administrator.
Administrator Zeldin is committed to maintaining and expanding the gold standard of environmental stewardship and conservation that President Trump set forth in his first administration while also prioritizing economic prosperity.
Here is what elected officials and stakeholders are saying:
Elected Officials
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “Lee Zeldin represents a new era of clear rules and common sense. He will correct the course of the EPA. The Senate will quickly vote to confirm him.”
Senator John Boozman: “I was proud to help advance Lee Zeldin’s nomination to the Senate floor. I am confident he will balance environmental stewardship & the impact of regulations on Arkansas’s farmers and businesses.”
Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (WV): “I have been continually impressed by Congressman Zeldin’s character, and his dedication to our country through service in both the U.S. Army and Congress. I am confident he will perform the role of EPA administrator exceptionally well and be a central member of President Trump’s cabinet as they enact policies and solutions to the environment, infrastructure, and energy challenges of our time.”
Senator Kevin Cramer: “As far as I’m concerned, Lee Zeldin is exactly the leader America needs at the helm of the EPA…He’ll restore primacy of states…while overturning these backwards regulations that plague energy producers, farmers, ranchers, landowners, and innovators of all types. Like President Trump, he wants clean water and air but doesn’t think we should settle for federal mediocrity.”
Senator Ted Cruz: “I’m confident [Lee Zeldin] will reverse the disastrous climate policies of the Biden admin. Lee will fight for jobs & a limited-regulation approach that will safeguard BOTH our economy & our environment.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson: “My good friend Lee Zeldin will make an excellent EPA Administrator. Under President Trump’s leadership and with Lee at the helm of the EPA, we will unleash America’s energy dominance, revamp our auto industry, and roll back radical Green New Deal regulations.”
Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01): “I would like to congratulate my friend Lee Zeldin on becoming the Administrator of the EPA. Under his leadership, private landowners, farmers, and the American economy as a whole will be protected from federal overreach.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis: “After four years of disastrous environmental policy, Lee Zeldin will restore commonsense and prosperity back out west. The Golden Age of America begins now!”
Stakeholders
Linda Bauer Darr, President and CEO, American Council of Engineering Companies: “On behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the business association of the nation’s engineering industry, I am pleased to offer our strong support for the nomination of Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Phillip Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers of America: “The Steel Manufacturers Association believes that Congressman Lee Zeldin is an excellent choice to fight for manufacturing in America, and we offer our strong endorsement for his confirmation as EPA Administrator. Congressman Zeldin will work tirelessly to implement President Trump’s smart regulatory policy that aims to put America first.”
Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “As the U.S. Senate Considers the nomination of Congressman Lee Zeldin to be Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following observations. As demonstrated during his confirmation hearing, Representative Zeldin is a highly qualified candidate whose leadership and vision will ensure the EPA continues to uphold its mission while fostering economic growth and job creation. We urge quick consideration by the full Senate of Mr. Zeldin’s nomination and look forward to working with him upon his confirmation.”
Heidi Brock, President and CEO, American Forest & Paper Association: “We believe Mr. Zeldin is eminently qualified for this important role and will execute President Trump’s regulatory agenda in a thoughtful, impactful manner. Our industry was able to work with Mr. Zeldin during his time in Congress and we believe he is a pragmatic individual who will be able to enact reasonable, evidence‐based regulations that provide those important benefits we described above including protecting the environment without unintentionally causing more harm than good to U.S. manufacturers.”
Eric Byer, President and CEO, Alliance Chemical Distribution, Chris Jahn, President and CEO, American Chemistry Council: “American Chemistry Council and Alliance for Chemical Distribution describes Congressman Zeldin as a ‘thoughtful leader who understood you can protect the environment and human health without imposing unreasonable and unnecessary regulations that hurt businesses and workers.’”
Stephen Ciccone, Group Vice President of Government Affairs, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.: “With his record of bipartisanship and pragmatism, we believe Lee Zeldin's confirmation as EPA Administrator would provide a balanced approach to environmental policy that doesn’t leave consumers behind. His leadership would help create an environment where Americans have access to affordable vehicles that meet their needs while advancing the goal of reducing vehicle emissions. We strongly urge you to support Mr. Zeldin's confirmation.”
Tom Dobbins, CEO, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies: “During his time in Congress Mr. Zeldin also took an active interest in issues affecting the water Sector. … AMWA strongly believes that Lee Zeldin is the right person to lead EPA during this consequential time, and we look forward to working with him to promote policies that will ensure the United States continues to have the safest and most accessible drinking water in the world.”
Paul Granger, P.E. Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Long Island Water Conference: “As a major professional water supplier organization on Long Island New York, we are offering our strong support for fellow Long Islander and New Yorker Lee Zeldin, who has been nominated to be the Administrator of the EPA. The ever-increasing regulatory burdens that face water utilities today is very challenging which places significant pressure on resources related to finances, staffing, and compliance. This continues to drive up concerns on water affordability and rate stability. Based on Mr. Zeldin’s record as a past state senator and congressman, we firmly believe that his philosophy and approach to regulations and commonsense policy align with you, and he is most qualified to lead the EPA. We believe that Mr. Zeldin’s experience will provide a balanced approach to the regulatory process. This will ultimately provide effective protection of public health and the environment.”
Heather Higgins, CEO, Independent Women’s Voice: “Independent Women, which advances policies that enhance opportunity and well-being, fully supports the confirmation of Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. President Trump deserves the team he wants so that he can carry out the directive given to him by the American people.”
Michael Hoffman, President and CEO, National Waste & Recycling Association: “As the representative of the New York’s 1st Congressional district and New York State’s 1st Senate District, Lee Zeldin top priority was the interests of his constituents. He continuously sought a balance between economic development and advocating on behalf of New York’s environment. As a lifelong Long Islander, Mr. Zeldin successfully fought in the State Senate and Congress for coastal resilience and nature preservation projects and repeatedly looked for bipartisan compromise on environmental issues. For these reasons, the New York State Chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association supports Lee M. Zeldin’s nomination and looks forward to his strong leadership as the 48th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
Matthew Holmes, CEO, National Rural Water Association: “On behalf of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and the more than 31,000 small and rural water and wastewater systems we represent, I’m writing to express our strong support for the nomination of former Representative Lee Zeldin of New York as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Christine Keck, Vice President of National Government and Regulatory Affairs, American Water: “Given Rep. Zeldin’s understanding of the vital role safe, clean, and reliable water plays in public health, national security and economic prosperity, American Water is hopeful he will help to champion the investments necessary to strengthen the nation’s water systems. We stand ready to partner with the incoming administration, bringing our industry leading expertise, innovation, and resources to strengthen and modernize America’s water systems, protect national security, public health and ensure affordability for all.”
Adam Krantz, CEO, National Association of Clean Water Agencies: “On behalf of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), I am writing to offer support for the nomination of Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “For too long, the EPA has stood for ‘Ending Production Agriculture.’ Under Administrator Zeldin, we look forward to an EPA that acknowledges the conservation efforts that are only made possible by cattle farmers and ranchers—America’s original conservationists. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulates Administrator Zeldin on his bipartisan confirmation, and we look forward to working with him to protect the clean water and healthy soil that American agriculture relies on every day.”
David Long, CEO, National Electrical Contractors Association: “Lee Zeldin’s extensive leadership experience and commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the EPA at this critical time. His understanding of the challenges faced by industries like ours, coupled with his collaborative approach to policymaking, gives me full confidence in his ability to effectively lead the EPA in achieving its mission.”
Jim Matheson, CEO, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: “NRECA is proud to support Lee Zeldin’s nomination as EPA Administrator…and looks forward to working with him to advance U.S. energy security and reliability.”
J. Clark Mika, President, Institute of Makers of Explosives: “On behalf of the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME), I write in support of confirming Mr. Lee Zeldin to serve as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Zeldin’s experience in the New York State Senate and the U.S. House or Representatives makes him uniquely qualified to lead the EPA.”
Jackson Morrill, President and CEO, the American Wood Council: “The American Wood Council (AWC) supports Representative Lee Zeldin’s nomination to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…His confirmation will enable the Agency to rapidly address several pending regulations and provide American manufacturing the certainty and stability needed to thrive.”
Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining Association: “As President and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA), I am writing to express NMA’s support for the nomination of the Honorable Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Zeldin’s legislative record, leadership, and experience navigating environmental challenges make him well-prepared to lead the EPA.”
John O’Leary, President and CEO, Daimler Truck North America: “Mr. Zeldin has consistently shown the leadership and vision needed to address complex issues. His commitment to advancing sensible environmental policies and regulations makes him the right candidate to lead the EPA.”
Lisa Nelson, CEO, ALEC Action: “Zeldin’s tenure represents an opportunity to realign the EPA with its core mission: protecting public health and the environment, all while respecting economic realities. His proven track record and forward-thinking approach give us hope that his leadership will bring the EPA back on track to address immediate, pressing concerns. Lee Zeldin will prioritize faster-acting, market-based solutions that address the urgent environmental needs of today without compromising the prosperity of tomorrow. We are excited to work with him and his team throughout his tenure as EPA Administrator in the incoming Administration.”
Sean O’Neill, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Portland Cement Association: “The Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents cement manufacturers across the country, expresses its support for the Senate's expedient consideration and approval of the nomination of former Representative Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Robert F. Powelson, President and CEO, National Association of Water Companies: “Lee Zeldin’s Congressional experience and commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth make him well-suited to lead the EPA in the new administration. His understanding of the challenges faced by the regulated, private water industry, along with his collaborative approach to policymaking, shows he has what it takes to effectively lead the EPA in achieving its mission.”
Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO, The Fertilizer Institute: “I am writing you on behalf of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to offer my endorsement and full support for the nomination of The Honorable Lee M. Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Throughout his career in public service, Mr. Zeldin has been committed to science-based environmental policy, recognizing that protecting our environment and enabling economic growth can and should be achieved together. This common-sense approach is one that the fertilizer industry, farmers, and all of agriculture follows daily, and we are confident that it will serve Mr. Zeldin and the nation well.”
Jeffrey D. Shoaf, CEO, Associated General Contractors of America: “The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) supports the nomination of Mr. Lee Zeldin as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…AGC chapters and members understand the importance of protecting our environment while advancing economic development.”
Jerry Simmons, President and CEO, Domestic Energy Producers’ Alliance: “The Domestic Energy Producers’ Alliance (DEPA) is proud to support the nomination of Lee Zeldin for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We believe that Zeldin will carry out President elect Trump’s energy and environmental agenda, which includes pulling back Biden-era rules on climate and air pollution and potentially rescinding millions of dollars in funding for clean energy under the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, the incoming administration is expected to take a more aggressive stance in challenging California’s autonomy in enforcing environmental standards that are more stringent than those set by the federal government — many of which picked up as models for more than a dozen other states that has let to unnecessary and costly legal challenges.”
Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy: “Administrator Zeldin has made it clear that he understands how important American-made biofuels are to President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy.”
Mike Sommers, President and CEO, American Petroleum Institute: “API supports the confirmation of Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA plays an integral role in ensuring Americans benefit from clear air, land, and water. We are confident in Mr. Zeldin’s leadership to protect human health and our environment through sensible policies while also supporting American innovation and economic growth.”
Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association: “Congressman Zeldin listened to advocates on all sides of environmental issues and worked with his colleagues as part of the Climate Solutions Caucus and Conservative Climate Caucus on proactive, constructive and results-driven approaches to key issues. This dedication to collaboration is exactly what is needed from an EPA Administrator.”
Cindy Squires, President and CEO, American Composite Manufacturers Association: “Congratulations on your confirmation by the United States Senate. We appreciate your statements…that protection of the environment is essential without suffocating the economy. We look forward to working with you and EPA in the coming years.”
Michele Stanley, Interim CEO, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association: “As the Committee on Environment and Public Works prepares to vote on the nomination of former Representative Lee Zeldin to serve, as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) would like to express our unwavering support for his confirmation.”
Dominique Stumpf, CEO, National Pest Management Association, and Rob Moloney, President, the New York Pest Management Association: “On behalf of the National Pest Management Association, the trade association representing the more than 18,000 U.S.-based pest control companies and nearly 200,000 front line service personnel, we would like to extend our congratulations on your successful confirmation. We look forward to working closely with the Agency, under your leadership, on solutions to continue to protect human health, food and our environment.”
Megan Tanel, President, Association of Equipment Manufacturers: “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers supports the nomination of the Honorable Lee M. Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…Mr. Zeldin’s proven leadership, pragmatic approach to policymaking, and dedication to common-sense environmental solutions make him well-qualified to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. His focus on balancing environmental protections with economic growth will serve him well in promoting innovation, streamlining regulatory processes, and supporting industries that are vital to the nation’s economy and sustainability efforts.”
Chet Thompson, President and CEO, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers: “Throughout his time in Congress, Administrator nominee Zeldin presented a balanced and practical approach to tackling key environmental issues while balancing the needs of energy development. His experience working across party lines makes him an ideal candidate to lead the EPA in a manner that fosters both collaboration and innovation. Administrator nominee Zeldin’s leadership would bring a fresh perspective to the agency, helping to strengthen the EPA’s role in tackling the complex environmental challenges we face.”