WASHINGTON — On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump announced his choice of former Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), setting the stage for an overhaul of the agency’s goals in the upcoming administration.

In his new role, Zeldin is anticipated to assist in dismantling many climate policies established by the Biden administration as Trump aims to promote an increase in fossil fuel energy production.

Trump revealed Zeldin’s nomination—pending Senate confirmation—in a statement praising Zeldin’s “strong legal background” and portraying the former congressman as a “dedicated advocate for America First initiatives.”

“He will guarantee prompt and fair deregulation measures that unleash the potential of American businesses, while also maintaining the highest environmental quality, including the cleanest air and water worldwide,” Trump stated.

Furthermore, Trump indicated that Zeldin would “establish new benchmarks for environmental assessment and upkeep, enabling a healthy and structured growth for the United States.”

Zeldin, a 44-year-old attorney and former military intelligence officer, represented parts of Long Island in Congress as a Republican from 2015 until 2023. He also ran for New York governor in 2022 but lost to Gov. Kathy Hochul by a margin of 53%-47%, which was notably closer than recent statewide contests for Republicans in New York.

A strong Trump supporter, Zeldin holds a mere 14% lifetime voting score on environmental issues based on his congressional track record, according to the League of Conservation Voters. His voting history includes opposition to funding for climate-resilient wastewater management while he did oppose proposals to eliminate dredge waste in the Long Island Sound.

The New York Times has reported that Trump is considering moving the EPA’s headquarters out of Washington and that his transition team is preparing several executive actions related to climate and energy, which might include withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. Trump has also expressed intentions to halt Biden’s initiatives for electric vehicle production.

“I am honored to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator,” Zeldin remarked in a statement on X. “We will work to regain US energy dominance, revitalize our automotive industry, and position the US as a leader in AI, all while ensuring the availability of clean air and water.”

In additional staff appointments, Trump has named Susie Wiles as his chief of staff and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy focusing on immigration matters.

Other notable appointments include Representative Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., nominated as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Tom Homan, former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, designated as Trump’s “border czar” to oversee immigration deportation policies.