On January 16, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on the nomination of Lee Zeldin to be administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the three and a half hours of robust questioning, Mr. Zeldin committed to finding common ground in addressing environmental challenges and working across party lines. He addressed the imperative of building private sector collaboration and common-sense regulations and stressed the importance for EPA to honor its requirements under the law, follow congressional intent, and be held accountable and transparent.
Mr. Zeldin answered questions from committee Republicans on a wide variety of topics, including forever chemicals (PFAS), cooperative federalism, the definition of Waters of the United States, air quality, plastics and ocean cleanups and renewable fuel standards. Senate Democrats posed questions related to climate, influence of campaign donors, and criticized the environmental policies of President-elect Trump in addition to a few local concerns such as lead pipe replacement.
Notably, Mr. Zeldin heard and acknowledged some of the concerns related to passive receivers of PFAS waste that may be ensnared in liability. He further agreed to review various Biden administration regulations and rules, such as Superfund liability for PFAS cleanups, and the EV charger infrastructure mandate. He did not commit to overturning any regulations in the hearing.
On multiple occasions, Mr. Zeldin responded with the importance of balancing environmental and economic needs as well as harnessing American innovation and stewardship. AGC of America submitted to the record a letter of support for Mr. Zeldin’s nomination.
For more information, contact Melinda Tomaino at melinda.tomaino@agc.org.