WASHINGTON — The Senate voted largely along party lines Wednesday to confirm former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin’s nomination to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, which he promised lawmakers to make more business friendly.

The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a key role to help President Donald Trump fulfill his pledge to roll back major environm

The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Lee Zeldin as the nation’s 17th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Three Democrats ― Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.

Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin will lead the Environmental Protection Agency following his confirmation by the Senate on Wednesday.

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency, appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON -- Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin denied that he will favor industry over the environment and declared he thinks climate change is real as he faced questions Thursday on his nomination to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Long Island environmentalists offered mixed reviews of Lee Zeldin's answers during his Senate confirmation hearing for EPA administrator.

Former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin has been confirmed as the new Environmental Protection Agency administrator, with the Senate voting 56-42 in favor on Wednesday. Zeldin, nominated by Donald Trump, previously served eight years in Congress representing New York’s 1st District.