Former U.S. congressman Lee Zeldin speaking with attendees at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s 2023 Annual Leadership Summit at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas. Credit: Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons.

Lee Zeldin, a former Republican New York congressman, was confirmed on Wednesday as the new head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a Senate vote of 56-42.

Three Democrats voted with a majority of Republicans to confirm his nomination with two abstentions, according to the Senate Press Gallery.

“Confirmed! Thank you to the 56 senators for your vote and confidence,” Zeldin, who is Jewish, wroteon X. “Grateful to President Donald Trump for having the faith in me to be part of his cabinet as EPA administrator. Make America Great Again!”

The Republican Jewish Coalition offered their congratulations. At present, Zeldin sits on the RJC board.

ADVERTISEMENT

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Zeldin will bring a “collaborative approach” back to the EPA.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also congratulated Zeldin on his win, saying “he will do an extraordinary job in his new post, and House Republicans look forward to working with Lee again to unleash America’s energy dominance, revamp our auto industry and roll back radical Green New Deal regulations.”

During Zeldin’s initial nomination, U.S. President Donald Trump said he “will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.”