Trump Admin Taps Another Big Name to Lead EPA: ‘We Will Restore American Energy Dominance’

President-elect Donald Trump just added another name to the growing list of influential conservative voices joining his next cabinet on Monday.

Former Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York has been appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency in Trump’s incoming administration.

In recent years, the 44-year-old Republican has proven to be a rising star in his party. After serving four terms as the representative of Long Island, Zeldin took on Kathy Hochul in 2022 for the governor’s seat and performed quite well in the blue-state race — despite losing.

Now, Zeldin will be in charge of the agency responsible for national energy regulation.

That includes restrictions on fossil fuel use, regulations related to the use of gas-powered cars, and so on.

If his opening comments on the appointment are of any indication, it appears that much of that regulation may soon be stripped away.

“I am deeply honored to have been asked by President Trump to serve in his Cabinet,” Zeldin wrote in a statement to the New York Post.

“As EPA Administrator, we will restore American energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, make the United States the global leader of Artificial Intelligence advancement, and slash the red tape holding back American workers from upward economic mobility.

“We will accomplish all this while conserving our environment, protecting access to clean air and water, and keeping the American people healthy. I look forward to contributing to President Trump’s agenda to build a more prosperous future for our nation.”

In his own statement, President-elect Trump confirmed the appointment and gave some insight as to why Zeldin was tapped for the position.

“Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet,” Trump said.

“He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.

“I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations. I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor!”

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