Lee
Zeldin

Claims to fame: Former U.S. Representative, NY-1 (2014-2023); Unsuccessful candidate for NY Governor (2022)

LCV Environmental Scorecard Lifetime Score: 14%

You should know: Zeldin has denied that climate change is a serious problem and has a history of opposing environmental action.

His take on climate: “Day one and the first 100 days, we have the opportunity to roll back regulations.” Translation: roll back the massive climate progress we’ve made in the past four years. (CNN)

The fine print: Zeldin has a history of opposing environmental action as a member of Congress. He voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in clean energy and climate action ever, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Zeldin voted:

• to block carbon pollution limits for power plants,
• against appropriations that extended the national flood insurance program, and
• against blocking Trump’s inadequate soot standard.

Our take: “Trump made his anti-climate action, anti-environment agenda very clear during his first term and again during his 2024 campaign. During the confirmation process, we would challenge Lee Zeldin to show how he would be better than Trump’s campaign promises or his own failing 14% environmental score if he wants to be charged with protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and finding solutions to climate change. The stakes for our climate and future generations could not be higher, and we’re all in to fight for our communities and defend the climate, clean energy, and environmental justice progress we have made.” –  Tiernan Sittenfeld, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Nov 11