The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a confirmation hearing for Lee Zeldin for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 16, 2025. At the time the hearing ended, the committee had not yet scheduled a meeting to vote on Zeldin’s nomination. Zeldin must receive a majority approval vote in the committee before his nomination can be put up for a confirmation vote before the full Senate. 

President Donald Trump (R) nominated Zeldin on Nov. 11, 2024. Trump said of Zeldin’s nomination, “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.”

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is chaired by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is the ranking Democratic member. To watch the full hearing, click here.

This was the third day of confirmation hearings for incoming President Trump’s Cabinet nominees. The first hearing was held on Jan. 14, 2025, for secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth. To read more about the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, click here.