WASHINGTON — Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin moved a step closer to confirmation as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency after a Senate committee voted Thursday to recommend that the full Senate approve his nomination.

Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin will face tough questions from Democrats about his fitness to be the EPA administrator at a Senate hearing Thursday, but he appears to be on a path to confirmation.

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.

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)

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

Former LI congressman Lee Zeldin said he will not favor industry over the environment and declared that "climate change is real" at a Senate hearing Thursday on his nomination. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin is facing his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Thursday. Here's what you need to know.

Zeldin has little experience heading an agency. Former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Long Island Republican and President-elect Donald J. Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency ...

Lee Zeldin, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, is poised to spearhead a sweeping rollback of regulations related to meatpacking plant pollution, fertilizer chemicals and a wide range of other agriculture-related environmental standards.

I believe that climate change is real,” Zeldin said, adding that he would work to “ensure we are protecting our environment, while also protecting our economy.”

After four years out of office, he vows to quickly undo many of the policies of his departing predecessor, Joe Biden.

I have seen firsthand my former colleague Lee Zeldin’s commitment to the environment while ensuring America remains economically competitive on the global stage.