U.S. Senator John Boozman, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, engaged in a dialogue with Lee Zeldin, the nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President-elect Donald Trump. The discussion centered on enhancing communication and collaboration within the agency to balance environmental regulations with economic growth.
During the nomination hearing, Boozman acknowledged Zeldin's availability and asked about his commitment to maintaining open lines of communication. "I want to compliment you on the fact that you’ve made yourself available," Boozman stated. Zeldin assured his dedication to being responsive and transparent with committee members.
Boozman emphasized his role as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, highlighting its oversight over the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. He urged Zeldin to work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on regulatory matters affecting farmers. “As issues affecting agriculture arise, I’ve found farmers and ranchers are best served when the EPA and the Department of Agriculture are working together,” said Boozman.
Zeldin agreed with Boozman's perspective on inter-agency cooperation: “I agree with everything that you just said, senator.”
The senator also questioned Zeldin about past failures in collaboration before issuing regulations. “For the last several years, EPA failed to collaborate with industries and states prior to rulemaking,” Boozman noted.
Zeldin responded by emphasizing engagement throughout regulatory processes: “It is important that the EPA is always fulfilling our obligations under the law."
The full line of questioning can be accessed through an online link provided by Senator Boozman's office.
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