Declaring climate change “real,” former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin faced questions Thursday from senators as part of his bid to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Republicans at the confirmation hearing largely offered praise for Zeldin, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump in November. Democrats on the panel, meanwhile, probed his views on climate change. 

Outlining his philosophy for the EPA, Zeldin leaned in on his pledge to roll back regulations. 

“We can and we must protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy,” he said. “A big part of this will require building private sector collaboration to promote common sense, smart regulation that will allow American innovation to continue to lead the world.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Outlining his philosophy for leading the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin told senators, “We can and we must protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy” 

  • Zeldin, who represented Long Island in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2023, has touted the need to roll back regulations

  • Zeldin told senators he believes climate change is "real." President-elect Donald Trump, who nominated Zeldin in November to head the EPA, has called climate change a "hoax"
  • The committee is expected to vote soon on whether to advance Zeldin’s nomination. Provided that happens, the full Senate will then get to weigh in 

Zeldin, who served in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2023, gave up his congressional seat to mount an unsuccessful bid for New York governor in 2022.

During Thursday’s hearing, Zeldin touted his work in Congress, securing money to help protect the Long Island Sound and Plum Island, arguing that on Long Island, environmental issues are bipartisan. 

Democrats on the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee pressed Zeldin about his knowledge of the science of climate change. 

They also raised concerns about whether he could be an honest broker on climate matters, and push back against both the fossil fuel industry and Trump. Trump has labeled climate change a “hoax.”

“The context that I have heard him speak about it was with a criticism of policies that have been enacted because of climate change,” Zeldin told senators. “I think he's concerned about the economic costs of some policies.”

“I would respectfully disagree with you,” Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said in reply. “I think he’s called it a hoax time and time and time again.”

Zeldin noted he believes climate change is "real."

The hearing comes as some Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill have proposed putting conditions on federal assistance to California to help the Los Angeles region recover from devastating wildfires. 

Zeldin told senators the EPA’s response to disasters under his leadership would not depend on the political leanings of a state. 

“It does not matter what kind of a state you're from. All 50 states are going to be of the highest importance,” he said. 

Exiting the hearing, at least one Democratic senator did not immediately rule out backing Zeldin’s nomination, while a Republican offered effusive praise. 

“He’s a qualified candidate for this job, and I’ll review some of the other things he said in answering my colleagues’ questions,” Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly told reporters.

“I’ve never seen anybody do better. The guy is smart as a whip,” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said. 

The committee is expected to vote soon on whether to advance Zeldin’s nomination. Provided that happens, the full Senate will then get to weigh in. 

So far, Zeldin appears likely to secure confirmation.

Spectrum News Washington, D.C. producer Carl Brewer contributed to this report.