U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, presided over a hearing regarding the nomination of Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During her opening remarks, Chairman Capito emphasized Zeldin’s military and congressional experience and his potential to advance the EPA’s mission.
Chairman Capito highlighted her commitment to ensuring that the EPA focuses on its core mission of protecting public health and the environment while considering energy reliability and economic development. She expressed pride in previous bipartisan efforts within the committee, such as supporting carbon capture technology and modernizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission through legislation like the ADVANCE Act.
“This Committee has a strong legacy of working together to pass bipartisan legislation to improve our nation’s infrastructure, invest in water systems, and help clean up our environment,” she stated.
The hearing also served as an introduction for Congressman Zeldin, President Trump’s nominee for EPA Administrator. Capito acknowledged Zeldin’s service in both the U.S. Army and House of Representatives, where he supported environmental policies beneficial to his Long Island district.
“I enjoyed meeting with Congressman Zeldin to hear about his experience and his vision for how he would prioritize the Agency’s work as the EPA Administrator,” said Capito.
She stressed that under Zeldin’s leadership, the EPA should manage taxpayer funds efficiently by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. This approach aims to empower state agencies responsible for air, land, and water protection without excessive federal interference.
Capito pointed out that focusing on brownfields and Superfund sites could spur economic development in rural areas. She also noted concerns about energy reliability due to projected power plant retirements and increased electricity demand.
“Spiking energy costs and rolling blackouts are an unacceptable fact if the U.S. is to continue as a global leader,” she warned.
In conclusion, Chairman Capito expressed confidence in Zeldin’s ability to lead the EPA towards achieving its core mission while balancing economic growth and international leadership responsibilities.
“I have confidence that the EPA, under Congressman Zeldin’s leadership, will focus on the EPA’s core mission to protect human health and the environment,” she affirmed before yielding to Ranking Member Whitehouse for his statement.
