During his confirmation hearing to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin faced questioning from Democrats regarding his views on climate change. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse specifically asked Zeldin about the effects of carbon dioxide and pollutants on the atmosphere.
Whitehouse inquired, 'Is carbon dioxide a pollutant?' to which Zeldin responded, 'As far as the carbon dioxide emitted by you during that question – no.' Zeldin further elaborated that in larger quantities, the EPA should focus on carbon dioxide emissions.
Whitehouse also presented a topographic map of Rhode Island, highlighting areas at risk of being submerged due to climate change. He pointed out that Zeldin's familiarity with the issue of rising sea levels is crucial, given that Zeldin's former congressional district is situated across Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean from the endangered areas in Rhode Island.
