EPA Chief Lee Zeldin Faces Backlash Over Climate Skeptic Comments
EPA Chief Lee Zeldin Faces Backlash Over Climate Skeptic Comments...
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is under fire after doubling down on climate skeptic remarks during a House hearing Wednesday. The former New York congressman, appointed last year, claimed "the science isn't settled" on human-caused climate change, contradicting decades of EPA research.
The comments sparked immediate backlash from environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) called the statements "dangerously irresponsible" given the EPA's role in regulating emissions. The Sierra Club announced plans for protests at EPA headquarters next week.
Zeldin's remarks come as the agency prepares to finalize new power plant emission rules. Climate advocates warn his stance could weaken enforcement. The controversy has reignited debates over political appointees leading scientific agencies.
Internal EPA emails obtained by The Washington Post show career staff raised concerns about Zeldin's public statements as early as February. The administrator has reportedly rejected multiple briefing requests from the agency's climate science office.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre distanced the administration from Zeldin's comments Thursday, stating "the President's position on climate science is clear." However, she confirmed no personnel changes are planned.
The controversy comes during a record-breaking heat wave affecting 14 states, with climate scientists linking extreme weather to global warming. Zeldin's comments first gained attention Tuesday but surged in online searches after his tense exchange with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) went viral Wednesday afternoon.
Conservative groups have rallied behind Zeldin, with the Heartland Institute praising his "willingness to question dogma." Former President Trump endorsed Zeldin's approach in a Truth Social post Thursday morning.
EPA staffers tell NBC News morale has hit "rock bottom" among climate teams. Several senior scientists have reportedly submitted resignations this week, though the agency denies any unusual turnover.
The House Oversight Committee announced plans Thursday to subpoena Zeldin's communications with fossil fuel lobbyists. Committee Chair Jamie Raskin (D-MD) cited "grave concerns about industry influence."
Zeldin's office maintains his comments were "mischaracterized" and insists EPA regulations will follow "all applicable laws." The administrator is scheduled to testify before the Senate Environment Committee next Tuesday.
