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Zeldin promises reviews and collaboration if appointed head of EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Nominee pledged to work collaboratively and transparently with Congress as part of his confirmation hearing Thursday.

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin says it’s his moral responsibility to be a good steward of the environment and taxpayer dollars.

“It is my commitment to follow my obligations under the law set by Congress to look at laws, decisions that have been made by the United States Supreme Court and to make sure that we are pursuing common sense, pragmatic solutions,” he said.

Arkansas Republican and Chair of the Senate Ag Committee John Boozman asked Zeldin to work with the USDA to create a science-based and predictable regulatory system.

“That must be our goal,” Zeldin replied. “That should be the relationship between all agencies, including the interaction between the EPA and the USDA.”

Nebraska Republican Pete Ricketts pressed for clear guidance on the Clean Water Act for farmers, to which Zeldin agreed.

“It should be as clear as possible so that your people can understand without having to go hire an attorney or someone else to assist them with compliance and definitions,” Zeldin said.

“Great. Well, again, I would just remind you that the Clean Water Act says navigable waters,” Ricketts offered.

Ricketts also asked him to uphold legal deadlines for new Renewable Volume Obligations standards and ensure access to year-round E-15.

Leaders with the American Coalition for Ethanol and Growth Energy say they appreciate Zeldin’s commitments to following the law for timely RVO rulemakings and doing his part to ensure year-round E15 nationwide.