President-elect Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, emphasized the significance of preserving the environment while also acknowledging economic considerations during his confirmation hearing on Thursday.
In his prepared remarks, Zeldin outlined his commitment to effectively leading the EPA without hindering economic growth. He stated, 'Our mission is simple, but essential: To protect human health and the environment. We must do everything in our power to harness the greatness of American innovation with the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship. We must ensure we are protecting our environment, while also protecting our economy.'
Zeldin highlighted the concerns of Americans regarding economic mobility and the need for a comprehensive government approach to address poverty. He expressed the belief that environmental protection can coexist with economic prosperity, stating, 'We can, and we must, protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy.'
Furthermore, Zeldin emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration with the private sector to implement sensible regulations that support American innovation and maintain global leadership in environmental stewardship.
During the hearing, Zeldin's remarks underscored his commitment to striking a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, recognizing the interconnected nature of these priorities in shaping policies that benefit both the environment and the economy.
