🚨 Lee Zeldin: Unfit for EPA Administrator
His appointment would jeopardize national resources, undermine public health, and stall critical progress on environmental protections. For the sake of the nation's future, Zeldin's nomination must be
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Lee Zeldin's nomination as EPA Administrator raises serious concerns about his qualifications, priorities, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. His track record reflects a deep allegiance to corporate interests, a disregard for environmental protections, and a history of loyalty to Donald Trump's regressive policies—all of which make him unfit for this critical position. Below, we explore the reasons why Zeldin's nomination should be rejected.
Zeldin has a troubling history of financial ties to the oil and gas industry, receiving over $260,000 in campaign contributions during his congressional tenure and an additional $150,000 during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign. These donations reveal a precise alignment with Big Oil's agenda, prioritizing the interests of polluting corporations over public health and environmental sustainability. If appointed, Zeldin's decisions are likely to reflect the priorities of his corporate donors rather than the broader needs of the American people.
Zeldin's environmental record is among the worst of any public official considered for a national leadership role. In 2017, he voted to slash the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) budget by $1.9 billion, a staggering 25% cut. He has consistently opposed clean energy initiatives despite their success in creating over 28,000 jobs in his home state of New York and 330,000 jobs nationwide. Additionally, Zeldin voted to defund critical EPA programs, including its chemicals risk assessment initiative and criminal law enforcement division, further undermining public health protections.
Notably, Zeldin has expressed skepticism about climate change, stating that he is "not sold yet on the whole argument that we have as serious a problem as other people are." Such statements reveal a lack of understanding of the existential threat of climate change, disqualifying him from leadership in any capacity requiring sound environmental judgment.
Zeldin's limited environmental policy experience does little to instill confidence in his leadership ability. His contributions have been largely symbolic, such as hosting a "Teach a Kid to Fish" day and joining minor congressional caucuses like the Climate Solutions Caucus and the Congressional Estuary Caucus. These memberships appear to have been politically expedient rather than indicative of genuine commitment, as they did not translate into pro-environmental votes.
More troubling is Zeldin's nomination as a reward for loyalty to Donald Trump rather than for his qualifications. During the first impeachment probe, Zeldin was one of Trump's staunchest defenders and voted against certifying the 2020 election. His close ties to Trump suggest that his actions as EPA Administrator would prioritize political allegiance over national resources or public welfare.
Zeldin's alignment with Trump's regressive policies is well-documented. He has promised to "roll back" critical environmental protections safeguarding clean air and water. His rhetoric and actions align with Trump's agenda to reverse Biden-era regulations to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Such actions would risk the nation's public health and environmental future.
Additionally, Zeldin has opposed essential social progress, including clean energy plans and measures to combat industrial pollution. His reluctance to address these pressing issues demonstrates a dangerous indifference to the nation's well-being.
Zeldin's policy priorities pose a clear threat to America’s national resources and environmental security. By prioritizing corporate interests over public safety, he risks allowing harmful chemicals and pollutants to jeopardize the health and safety of communities nationwide. His track record suggests that he would not hesitate to weaken or abandon critical protections if it benefited his corporate allies or aligned with Trump's agenda.
Zeldin's nomination is part of a broader strategy to dismantle environmental protections and favor corporate polluters. Trump's promise to oil executives to reverse Biden-era regulations in exchange for campaign contributions is deeply concerning. Zeldin's appointment would ensure the fulfillment of this troubling agenda, prioritizing profit over people and reversing progress in combating climate change.
While Zeldin has occasionally supported PFAS regulations, his overall environmental record suggests he would not consistently uphold these protections. His willingness to follow Trump's directives at the expense of public safety underscores his unsuitability for any leadership role requiring independence and sound judgment.
Lee Zeldin's documented allegiance to corporate interests, disregard for environmental protections, and prioritization of loyalty to Donald Trump over qualifications render him unfit for the role of EPA Administrator. His appointment would jeopardize national resources, undermine public health, and stall critical progress on environmental protections. For the sake of the nation's future, Zeldin's nomination must be rejected.
A Call to Action
This moment demands action and vigilance. The Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty by rejecting Lee Zeldin's nomination. We, as citizens, must hold our Senate leaders accountable and ensure that those entrusted with protecting America's resources embody the principles that make America strong. Our nation deserves nothing less, and the future of our democracy depends on it. Let us stand together for integrity, competence, and the enduring values that define our nation. Together, we can ensure that the United States leads the world in protecting natural resources.
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DEFEAT TRAITOR AND CON REPUBLICONS EVERYWHERE. YES CONS , CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL, DANGEROUS , COSTLY, AND PREVENTABLE.
When Trump began to pick his billionaires and millionaires for important government positions, I looked at his actions as creating a kleptocracy, that is, a government by people who wanted to pick as much loot as possible from the bones of the federal government.
And then a newer term (to me at least) and more apt under the circumstances, came along - kakistocracy, government by the worst, least competent people. It fits Trump's plans perfectly, and I am sure that picks like Lee Zeldin to run the EPA will do their utmost to destroy their part of the government and the country as a whole.
Is this an example of a narcissistic psychopathic personality at work or of outside agents controlling the guy behind the curtain who runs everything?