By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) - President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday that he has tapped former Republican Representative Lee Zeldin to lead the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump described Zeldin as a "true fighter for America First policies" who wields a "very strong legal background."
"He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet," the incoming president said in a statement.
"He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way," he added.
Zeldin said it is an "honor" to be selected by Trump as the next EPA administrator, and like Trump, emphasized that his priority will be growing American business.
"We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water," he added.
As the head of a US federal agency, Zeldin's appointment is subject to Senate review, though Trump has called for lawmakers to allow him to circumvent the Constitutionally-mandated practice to allow him to fill his Cabinet quickly.
He has called on Republican senators running to replace outgoing leader Mitch McConnell to support what are known as "recess appointments," a practice whereby a president is able to fill a Cabinet vacancy if the Senate is not in session for 10 days.
Both parties have fought use of recess appointments since the Obama administration, however, using what are known as pro forma sessions to block presidents from carrying them out. Trump has so far not endorsed any candidate seeking the top spot in the Senate in a move likely intended to ratchet up pressure on the candidates.
"Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner," he posted on his proprietary social media website on Sunday.