Lee Zeldin was sworn in as the 17th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), vowing to uphold the agency’s mission while emphasizing both environmental protection and economic growth.

Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, took the oath of office in a ceremony attended by agency officials and government leaders. In his first remarks as administrator, he pledged to continue efforts to ensure clean air, water, and land while maintaining policies that support economic prosperity.

“It is my honor to serve as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency Administrator,” Zeldin said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will take great strides to defend every American’s access to clean air, clean water, and clean land. We will maintain and expand the gold standard of environmental stewardship and conservation that President Trump set forth in his first administration while also prioritizing economic prosperity.”

Zeldin’s appointment signals a continuation of Trump-era environmental policies, which have emphasized regulatory rollbacks and partnerships with industry. His leadership is expected to shape the agency’s approach to key issues such as water quality, emissions standards, and land conservation.

As he assumes control of the agency, Zeldin said he looks forward to working with the EPA’s career staff and scientists to implement policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic considerations. “It’s time to get to work,” he said.