Zeldin said climate change is real and spoke about armed EPA officials, plastic pollution and the need to balance environmental protection and the economy.
WASHINGTON—President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, testified before senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee on January 16.
Lawmakers challenged the former New York congressman on several financial controversies, but the first round of questioning on Jan. 16 was relatively amicable. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle noted that Zeldin had met with lawmakers ahead of the hearing.
The 2022 New York gubernatorial candidate answered questions about climate change, plastic pollution, armed EPA officials and more. Below are some highlights.
1. Bipartisanship and balance
In his opening remarks, the former congressman spoke about the need to advance environmental goals without compromising America’s prosperity.
“We must do everything in our power to harness the greatness of American innovation and the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship. We must make sure that while we protect our economy, we also protect our environment.” No,” Zeldin said.
He also spoke about the need to work across the aisle. His appeal echoes that of his introducer, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), whose remarks included a quote from Democratic President John F. Kennedy.
“The American people need leaders who can find common ground to solve the urgent problems we face,” Zeldin said while in the House of Representatives. He described the efforts of
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He also noted his work with the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.
2. Armed EPA personnel
One of the exchanges with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) concerned EPA enforcement efforts in Sullivan’s home state. Sullivan said this tactic runs counter to the spirit of cooperative federalism.
During the Obama administration, the EPA came under fire for raiding a gold mine in Chicken, Alaska, in 2013. The attack was carried out by armed operatives. Enforcement officers were investigating violations of the Clean Water Act, but found no violations. Miners at the time characterized the agents as intimidating. Sullivan also questioned recent enforcement efforts involving auto repair shops in the state.
“My state believes in the Second Amendment. Most of my state is armed. This is very important because some of these officers could be shot when they arrive. It’s dangerous,” Sullivan said, adding that the EPA could have gotten involved cooperatively before it arrived.
“Do you think the EPA should even have armed operatives?” he asked, suggesting that local law enforcement could respond.
“It’s outrageous,” Zeldin said of the Alaska attack.
He expressed support for expanded cooperation without ruling out the idea of sending armed agents.
“When enforcement action is required by prosecutors working with the Department of Justice, Congress has enacted legislation that makes enforcement part of the compliance effort,” he said.
“There are people and organizations who own land that needs mitigation and who want to work with government to alleviate the situation on their land. We have to work with them to make that happen. No need.”
3. Views on fossil fuels
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) questioned the EPA nominee regarding his views on fossil fuels.
He cited a statement the then-representative made in 2016 when discussing Democratic candidate Anna Sloan-Horst. Zeldin said at the time that the key to better environmental stewardship is “reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, becoming more environmentally friendly, and pursuing clean, green energy.”
“Mr. Zeldin, do you still believe it’s our job to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels?” Markey asked.
Mr. Zeldin began by saying he supported all of the energy strategies listed above, before Mr. Markey interrupted and repeated the question.
“Considering all factors, in an ideal world we would always be able to pursue the cleanest, greenest energy source possible,” Zeldin said.
Markey interpreted Zeldin’s reaction as a change in approach to energy.
“I haven’t heard you say you agree with Lee Zeldin in 2016, which means we’re in a completely different situation than your nomination hearing,” the senator said.
4. Microplastics and plastic pollution
The candidate also spoke about plastic pollution. He described the 2018 Save Our Seas Act, in which Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D.R.I.) worked with Sullivan as a bipartisan success.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) highlighted research and news articles on the human health risks of microplastics and nanoplastics, including their effects on human fertility.
Zeldin said microplastics is clearly an issue of “great interest and passion” for the congressman.
“I look forward to the opportunity to read the specifics you mention so that I can learn more about the details you cite that I have not read before.” he said.
Merkley expressed doubts about plastic recycling advocated by the chemical industry, saying it has limited scope.
Zeldin said he knows a lot about public relations in the industry.
“I’m researching and reading everything that’s being offered on all sides of this issue,” he said before discussing his efforts on waterway cleaning in the House of Commons.
5. Climate change
“As I said earlier, I believe climate change is real,” Zeldin told Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-I.).
Zeldin said President Trump’s past descriptions of the phenomenon as a “hoax” were actually criticisms of policies enacted in response to climate change.
Mr. Sanders responded, “I respectfully object.”
The senator went on to ask whether climate change constitutes an existential threat. “This means there is an urgent need for us to take action to address climate change.”
“We must address these issues urgently,” Zeldin replied. He said he was prepared to pressure other countries on environmental policy.
In response to an earlier question from the committee’s senior member, White House, the candidate acknowledged the link between carbon dioxide emissions and ocean acidification and said sea level rise was an issue.
When asked if the oceans are warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, Zeldin replied, “The scientists say so.”
He told the White House that carbon dioxide and methane emissions trap heat, and that the issue of large-scale carbon emissions “certainly needs to be a focus for EPA.”
Zeldin said the EPA has been treating carbon dioxide like a pollutant in line with the 2007 Supreme Court decision Massachusetts v. EPA, but carbon dioxide is not among the six air pollutants listed in the Clean Air Act. It was pointed out that it was not included.
