SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Lee Zeldin’s Appointment to the EPA: A Decision Approved by the US Senate

The US Senate has approved the nomination of Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. The choice made by Donald Trump has been praised by fossil fuel industry players but criticized by environmental NGOs.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The nomination of Lee Zeldin, chosen by former US President Donald Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been validated by the Senate with a result of 56 votes in favor and 42 against. A former Republican congressman, Zeldin takes over from the previous administration in a context where political choices regarding the environment and energy are at the center of national debate.

The Support of Fossil Fuel Industry Players

Zeldin’s appointment has been welcomed by the fossil fuel industry. Mike Sommers, Director of the American Petroleum Institute (API), praised the decision, highlighting Zeldin’s experience in finding solutions to the country’s energy challenges. The oil and gas industry, under pressure from environmental regulations, sees him as a defender of reducing restrictions on natural resource exploitation, particularly hydrocarbons.

The Opposition from Environmental Groups

However, NGOs and environmental protection groups have strongly reacted to this appointment. Lena Moffitt of Evergreen Action criticized the growing influence of Trump’s supporters on environmental policy. According to her, Zeldin represents a continuation of the approach that favors the interests of the fossil fuel industry over public health and environmental preservation.

An Energy Policy Focused on Hydrocarbons

During his hearing, Lee Zeldin emphasized his dual goal: protecting the environment while supporting the economy. This position aligns with Donald Trump’s stance, who views restrictions on oil resources as an obstacle to economic growth. This choice, made at a time when the United States is already the world’s largest oil producer, reflects the administration’s desire to boost domestic hydrocarbon production.

A Step Back in the Fight Against Climate Change

Zeldin’s appointment also comes at a time when US energy policy seems to take a step back from international environmental commitments. The announced withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the desire to ramp up fossil fuel production mark a shift in US climate policy. The impact of these decisions is already being felt on global energy markets.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
North Atlantic France Takes Control of Esso S.A.F. and Renames the Company
Autel signs strategic agreement with UAEV to deploy smart-charging solutions in the Emirates
ACWA Power and Aramco secure $8.2bn financing for 15 GW renewable projects
France: B100 and E85 biofuels maintain their tax niche despite doubts
AfDB grants $7.41mn to Liberia to complete hydroelectric power plant
Post-CfD renewable assets expose investors to increased market risk
The gradual exit from CfD contracts is turning stable assets into infrastructures exposed to higher volatility, challenging expected returns and traditional financing models for the renewable sector.
Canada reforms Energy Efficiency Act to align policy with digital markets
The Canadian government introduces major legislative changes to the Energy Efficiency Act to support its national strategy and adapt to the realities of digital commerce.
Quebec maintains sole carbon price at the pump despite federal tax repeal
Quebec becomes the only Canadian province where a carbon price still applies directly to fuels, as Ottawa eliminated the public-facing carbon tax in April 2025.
India invests $872mn to locally produce rare earth permanent magnets
New Delhi launches a 72.8 bn INR incentive plan to build a 6,000-tonne domestic capacity for permanent magnets, amid rising Chinese export restrictions on critical components.
Long-term contracts reshape electricity market risk over 30 years amid volatility
The rise of CfDs, PPAs and capacity mechanisms signals a structural shift: markets alone no longer cover 10–30-year financing needs, while spot prices have surged 400% in Europe since 2019.
Berlin plans to acquire 25.1% of TenneT Germany by early 2026
Germany plans to finalise the €5.8bn ($6.34bn) purchase of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany to strengthen its control over critical national power grid infrastructure.
Ghana restructures its power sector around domestic gas to contain deficit
The Ghanaian government is implementing a reform of its energy system focused on increasing the use of local natural gas, aiming to reduce electricity production costs and limit the sector's financial imbalance.
Suriname targets 220,000 barrels per day in oil strategy by 2028
On the 50th anniversary of its independence, Suriname announced a national roadmap including major public investment to develop its offshore oil reserves.
South Korea under pressure from the IEA to liberalise its electricity market
In its latest review, the International Energy Agency warns of structural blockages in South Korea’s electricity market, calling for urgent reforms to close the gap on renewables and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
China’s installed power capacity reaches 3.75 bn kW, up 17.3 %
China's power generation capacity recorded strong growth in October, driven by continued expansion of solar and wind, according to official data from the National Energy Administration.
Trump revives US offshore with 34 lease sales planned between 2026 and 2031
The 2026–2031 offshore programme proposes opening over one billion acres to oil exploration, triggering a regulatory clash between Washington, coastal states and legal advocacy groups.
The Mozambique centralises its gas infrastructure to secure the Beira–Rompco corridor
The government of Mozambique is consolidating its gas transport and regasification assets under a public vehicle, anchoring the strategic Beira–Rompco corridor to support Rovuma projects and respond to South Africa’s gas dependency.
NESO launches national consultation to plan regional energy infrastructure
The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.
COP30 locks in adaptation, avoids fossil phase-out and opens a climate regulatory front
The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.
Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy
The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis
Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.
Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30
Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.
Europeans tighten the noose around Iran with targeted IAEA resolution
The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.