Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for EPA Administrator, emphasized the need to balance environmental protection with economic growth during his Senate confirmation hearing. Zeldin acknowledged the science behind climate change but faced questioning from Democrats regarding his past support for reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., President-elect Donald Trump 's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, appeared before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill. Zeldin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives' Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, pledged to reverse New York's ban on oil and gas drilling known as fracking during his unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 2022.
During his testimony, Zeldin emphasized the importance of balancing environmental protection with economic growth, stating, 'We must ensure we are protecting the environment while also protecting our economy.' When questioned by Democrats on the issue of climate change, Zeldin acknowledged the role of carbon dioxide and methane pollution from fossil fuels in trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. He emphasized his support for an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy, stating, 'Considering all factors, in an ideal world we would be able to pursue, always, the cleanest, greenest energy sources possible.'However, Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts pressed Zeldin on his past statements about climate change. Markey pointed out that in 2016, Zeldin called for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Markey expressed concern about Zeldin's apparent shift in stance, questioning if it was driven by science or politics. Zeldin defended his position, stating that the threat of climate change remained and that he believed in finding practical solutions. He highlighted his experience working with both Democrats and Republicans in the House to address environmental issues, emphasizing the need for common ground and pragmatic solutions. Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah praised Zeldin's nomination, acknowledging his efforts to bring Republicans into the conversation on climate change during his time in Congress
LEE ZELDIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CLIMATE CHANGE ENERGY POLICY DONALD TRUMP
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