• 101 - The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

  • By: Quiet. Please
  • Podcast

101 - The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

By: Quiet. Please
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  • Summary

  • This is your What does the US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator do, a 101 podcast.

    "Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Living Biography" is a compelling biographical podcast that delves into the lives and careers of the individuals who have shaped environmental policy in the United States. With regular updates, this podcast offers listeners an in-depth exploration of each EPA Administrator's contributions to environmental protection, their challenges, achievements, and the lasting impact of their initiatives. Perfect for those passionate about environmental issues, history, and leadership, this series provides a unique lens into the crucial role played by the EPA in safeguarding our planet. Tune in to gain insights from past and present leaders dedicated to environmental stewardship.

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Political Science Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • "Controversial EPA Chief Zeldin Shakes Up Agency with Sweeping Changes"

    "Controversial EPA Chief Zeldin Shakes Up Agency with Sweeping Changes"
    Feb 23 2025
    Since his confirmation as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator on January 29, 2025, Lee Zeldin has been at the forefront of significant changes and controversies within the agency. One of the most notable announcements came on February 4, 2025, when Administrator Zeldin unveiled the “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative. This initiative is designed to align the EPA's mission with the economic and environmental priorities of the Trump administration. The plan is structured around five pillars, including ensuring clean air, land, and water for every American, and fostering economic growth while protecting human health and the environment[1].

    However, Zeldin's tenure has also been marked by a series of policy freezes and restructuring efforts. Immediately after taking office, the EPA implemented a temporary halt on all environmental lawsuits and external communications. This freeze includes stopping pending court filings, delaying new complaints, and putting Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act negotiations on hold. Additionally, the agency has delayed several finalized environmental rules from the prior administration, including those related to air pollution and the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE)[2].

    The new administration has also introduced significant changes to the EPA's workforce. As part of a broader presidential order, EPA employees are required to return to full-time in-person work by February 24, 2025, ending telework and remote work arrangements. This move is part of an effort to increase office attendance, which had been as low as 37% on the highest single-day attendance and averaged just 8.9% on Mondays and Fridays[4].

    Moreover, the EPA is undergoing substantial staffing cuts, particularly targeting employees hired during the Biden administration who were working on climate change, air pollution, and environmental regulation programs. Over 1,000 employees who joined the agency within the past year are at risk of being laid off, and several senior civil service managers have been reassigned to focus on immigration rather than environmental issues[2].

    The Office of Environmental Justice has been particularly affected, with 168 staffers placed on administrative leave as the agency evaluates its new structure and organization. This move has left many employees uncertain about their future, with some preparing for the possibility of being laid off. The Trump administration has also discussed terminating environmental justice offices and positions, which could result in the firing of hundreds of staff members[3][5].

    The changes under Administrator Zeldin have been met with concern from former EPA officials and current employees, who worry that these actions will unravel decades of work protecting public health from pollution. The administration's alignment with industries regulated by the EPA, such as oil and mining, has further raised concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment[5].
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    3 mins
  • "EPA Under Zeldin: Sweeping Changes Shake Up Environmental Protection"

    "EPA Under Zeldin: Sweeping Changes Shake Up Environmental Protection"
    Feb 20 2025
    Since the confirmation of Lee Zeldin as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator on January 29, 2025, the agency has undergone significant changes and policy shifts. One of the immediate actions taken by Zeldin was to continue a temporary halt on all environmental lawsuits, a policy initiated by the acting EPA Administrator on January 24, 2025. This freeze includes stopping pending court filings and delaying new complaints, as well as putting Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act negotiations on hold. The Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division has also been ordered to freeze all activities, reflecting the new administration's intent to review and potentially alter the agency's stance on these issues[1].

    In addition to the legal freezes, Zeldin has implemented a halt on external communications from EPA staff, including press releases, blog updates, and social media posts, except for necessary interactions with state and federal agencies and communications related to inspections and imports[1].

    The EPA has also announced delays for several finalized environmental rules from the prior administration, including rules on air pollution and the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE). These delays are part of the broader effort to evaluate and potentially change the agency's regulatory stance under the new administration[1].

    On the staffing front, the EPA is set to undergo significant changes. Following a presidential order to limit telework and remote work, EPA employees are required to return to the office full-time by February 24, unless they have a disability, medical condition, or other certified reasons. Moreover, the agency is expected to cut over 1,000 employees who joined within the past year, particularly those working on climate change, air pollution, and environmental regulation programs. Senior civil service managers in the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division have been reassigned to focus on immigration rather than environmental issues[1].

    The Office of Environmental Justice at the EPA has been particularly affected, with 168 staffers placed on administrative leave. This move is part of the agency's evaluation of its structure and organization to ensure alignment with its mission of protecting human health and the environment. The administrative leave is governed by federal regulations and is intended to be temporary, though the long-term fate of these employees remains uncertain[2].

    Zeldin has also been active in canceling contracts and grants deemed wasteful by the new administration. Recently, he canceled nine contracts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental justice initiatives, resulting in nearly $60 million in savings. This includes the termination of a $50 million environmental justice grant to the Climate Justice Alliance and the cancellation of media subscriptions to Politico and its subsidiaries[3].

    The new administration's priorities are outlined in the "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative, which focuses on five pillars including ensuring clean air, land, and water for every American, while also promoting economic growth and energy dominance. This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to President Trump's goals, such as advancing conservation, reducing toxic emissions, and fostering economic growth[4].

    Overall, the EPA under Administrator Zeldin is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by policy freezes, staffing changes, and a shift in priorities that align with the Trump administration's broader agenda. These changes have raised concerns among former EPA officials and environmental advocates, who worry about the potential unraveling of decades of work in protecting public health and the environment[2][5].
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    4 mins
  • EPA Administrator Zeldin Shakes Up Agency with Sweeping Changes

    EPA Administrator Zeldin Shakes Up Agency with Sweeping Changes
    Feb 18 2025
    Lee Zeldin, the newly confirmed Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has made significant headlines in the last few days with a series of decisive actions and policy announcements. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 29, 2025, Zeldin has quickly implemented several key changes within the agency.

    One of the immediate actions taken by Zeldin was to continue a temporary freeze on various EPA activities. This includes a halt on all environmental lawsuits, a review of the agency’s stance on these issues, and a freeze on external communications such as press releases, blog updates, and social media posts, except for necessary interactions with state and federal agencies[2].

    Additionally, Zeldin has delayed the implementation of several environmental rules finalized by the previous administration, including those related to air pollution and the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE). These freezes are part of an effort to evaluate and potentially change the agency’s policies under the new administration[2].

    In terms of staffing, Zeldin has aligned with a broader presidential order to limit telework and remote work, requiring EPA employees to return to the office full-time by February 24, unless they have certified medical or disability reasons. The agency is also expected to cut over 1,000 employees hired during the Biden administration, particularly those working on climate change, air pollution, and environmental regulation programs. Senior civil service managers in the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resource Division have been reassigned to focus on immigration rather than environmental issues[2].

    The restructuring has also impacted the Office of Environmental Justice, with 168 staffers placed on administrative leave as the agency evaluates its new structure and organization. This move has raised concerns among former EPA officials who worry that these actions could unravel decades of work protecting public health from pollution[3].

    Despite these changes, Zeldin has emphasized his commitment to the EPA’s core mission. On February 13, 2025, he met with staff from the EPA’s Region 2 Headquarters in New York City, praising their dedication to delivering clean air, water, and land to all Americans. Zeldin, who represented a district in Region 2 during his time in Congress, highlighted his past conservation efforts in the region and his plans to continue this work as Administrator[4].

    Zeldin has also unveiled the “Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative” (PGAC Initiative), a five-pillar plan aimed at guiding the EPA’s actions under his leadership. The pillars include ensuring clean air, land, and water for every American, restoring American energy dominance, reforming permitting processes, making the U.S. the artificial intelligence capital of the world, and protecting American auto jobs. This initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader goals of reducing regulatory barriers and promoting economic growth[5].

    These early actions and announcements by Zeldin indicate a significant shift in the EPA’s direction, aligning with the Trump administration’s policies and priorities. As the new Administrator continues to shape the agency, his decisions are likely to have profound impacts on environmental policy and regulation in the United States.
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    4 mins

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