Union reacts to Trump EPA Leadership Confirmation Hearing (Chicago, IL) – (Thursday, January 16, 2025) Following Trump administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator nominee Lee Zeldin’s confirmation hearing testimony on Thursday, the union representing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency workers in the six midwestern states urged Congress to scrutinize Zeldin’s track record on the environment. Following is a statement from American Federation of Government Employees Local 704 President Nicole Cantello:
“As a member of Congress, Zeldin consistently showed a lack of support for the clean air, clean water and EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. During his time in Congress, Zeldin backed more toxic mercury pollution and voted to block carbon pollution limits on power plants. He voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which is designed to drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions. He also rejected the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement. And, in 2022, he voted to cut funding from EPA.
“A majority of voters across party lines does not want the EPA’s budget to be slashed, nor do they want EPA’s work to protect human health curtailed. Voters of both parties overwhelmingly approve expanding EPA’s promotion of clean energy and greenhouse gas reductions.
“As we prepare for a change in administration, we remain firmly committed to EPA’s mission, and we are ready to work with any EPA administrator to ensure the progress we are making toward building a healthy future for our country and our planet. In confirming the 17th Administrator of the EPA, we should not risk reversing the progress we have made controlling toxic pollution and the harm it causes the public. The American people deserve to have a head of EPA who defends them from threats to clean air and water–and Congress should confirm an Administrator for EPA who has shown they are committed to that defense.”
AFGE Local 704 represents nearly 1,000 EPA employees across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Union reacts to Trump EPA Leadership Confirmation Hearing
