Encyclopedia · Biography
Lee Zeldin
Former New York congressman and U.S. EPA administrator
Personal details
- Full name
- Lee Michael Zeldin
- Born
- January 30, 1980
- Education
- State University of New York at Albany; Albany Law School
- Spouse
- Diana Zeldin
- Children
- Twin daughters
- Prior offices
- New York State Senate (2011–2014); U.S. House (2015–2023)
- Office
- EPA administrator (since January 2025)
Lee Zeldin is an American lawyer, former New York legislator and Army veteran who became administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in January 2025.
Background and military service
Zeldin grew up on Long Island, studied political science and law, and entered the U.S. Army. He deployed to Iraq in 2006, continued serving in the Army Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel in May 2025 after 22 years of military service, according to the EPA.
New York legislature and Congress
He served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and represented New York’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2023. He was the Republican nominee for New York governor in 2022. His congressional record includes environmental, military and regional policy issues.
EPA leadership and relationships
The Senate confirmed Zeldin to head EPA in January 2025; he was sworn in January 29 by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. EPA is listed as a member agency in Trump’s February 2025 National Energy Dominance Council; the membership is an institutional link with Burgum and Wright, not a demonstration of a private relationship.
References
Research compiled November 13, 2026. Open questions belong in a separate research note, not in the public text.
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Documented connections
These are specifically described relationships in public records. A shared institution, appointment or event does not by itself demonstrate coordination or wrongdoing.
- Brett Kavanaugh (person) — ceremonial oath: Justice Kavanaugh swore Zeldin in as EPA administrator · January 29, 2025
- Chris Wright (person) — same official council: Energy secretary vice chairs an interagency council with EPA administrator as a named member · 2025 onward
- Donald Trump (person) — presidential nomination: Trump nominated Zeldin to head EPA, sworn in January 2025 · 2024–2025
- National Energy Dominance Council (organization) — Office specified as ex-officio member of Executive Order 14213; tenure-dependent · February 2025 onward