Lee Zeldin, the newly confirmed Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has made significant headlines in the last few days with a series of decisive actions and policy announcements. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 29, 2025, Zeldin has quickly implemented several key changes within the agency.
One of the immediate actions taken by Zeldin was to continue a temporary freeze on various EPA activities. This includes a halt on all environmental lawsuits, a review of the agency’s stance on these issues, and a freeze on external communications such as press releases, blog updates, and social media posts, except for necessary interactions with state and federal agencies[2].
Additionally, Zeldin has delayed the implementation of several environmental rules finalized by the previous administration, including those related to air pollution and the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE). These freezes are part of an effort to evaluate and potentially change the agency’s policies under the new administration[2].
In terms of staffing, Zeldin has aligned with a broader presidential order to limit telework and remote work, requiring EPA employees to return to the office full-time by February 24, unless they have certified medical or disability reasons. The agency is also expected to cut over 1,000 employees hired during the Biden administration, particularly those working on climate change, air pollution, and environmental regulation programs. Senior civil service managers in the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resource Division have been reassigned to focus on immigration rather than environmental issues[2].
The restructuring has also impacted the Office of Environmental Justice, with 168 staffers placed on administrative leave as the agency evaluates its new structure and organization. This move has raised concerns among former EPA officials who worry that these actions could unravel decades of work protecting public health from pollution[3].
Despite these changes, Zeldin has emphasized his commitment to the EPA’s core mission. On February 13, 2025, he met with staff from the EPA’s Region 2 Headquarters in New York City, praising their dedication to delivering clean air, water, and land to all Americans. Zeldin, who represented a district in Region 2 during his time in Congress, highlighted his past conservation efforts in the region and his plans to continue this work as Administrator[4].
Zeldin has also unveiled the “Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative” (PGAC Initiative), a five-pillar plan aimed at guiding the EPA’s actions under his leadership. The pillars include ensuring clean air, land, and water for every American, restoring American energy dominance, reforming permitting processes, making the U.S. the artificial intelligence capital of the world, and protecting American auto jobs. This initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader goals of reducing regulatory barriers and promoting economic growth[5].
These early actions and announcements by Zeldin indicate a significant shift in the EPA’s direction, aligning with the Trump administration’s policies and priorities. As the new Administrator continues to shape the agency, his decisions are likely to have profound impacts on environmental policy and regulation in the United States.
