EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Delivers Keynote at Heartland Institute Climate Conference

Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered the keynote speech at a conference hosted by the Heartland Institute in Washington DC on Wednesday morning. The Heartland Institute is a think tank that has promoted skepticism toward the scientific consensus on climate change.

In 2012, the organization displayed billboard posters comparing climate advocates to the Unabomber.

During his speech, Zeldin stated that the EPA would no longer rely on what he described as flawed assumptions in climate science. He referred to established climate science and emphasized using accurate, present-day facts. Zeldin also criticized media descriptions of his positions as controversial for not aligning with statements from figures including John Kerry, Al Gore, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

" — Lee Zeldin (The Guardian) Zeldin remarked that it is controversial to reject predictions of imminent global catastrophe. He described previous administrations' responses to scientists' warnings on greenhouse gas emissions as overlooking the role of carbon dioxide in supporting planetary life.

Zeldin accused past policymakers and scientists of forming a group that selected specific models and methodologies while discouraging challenges to them.

Heartland Institute The Heartland Institute has received funding from oil companies including Shell and ExxonMobil, as well as from the Mercer family, Republican donors.

The organization contributed to Project 2025, a policy blueprint for a potential second Trump administration. The Heartland Institute has described climate science as fake news since the early 2000s. Scientific consensus holds that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are causing global warming, leading to higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.

Experts recommend phasing out fossil fuels to maintain a livable climate. The conference took place amid ongoing debates over US environmental policies.

Under Zeldin, the EPA has exempted certain polluting facilities from regulations, closed climate and environmental research offices, and reduced its workforce.

The agency has also reversed dozens of environmental and climate protections. Last month, more than 160 environmental and public health organizations called for Zeldin's resignation, stating that he has deviated from the agency's mission. Zeldin addressed the reversal of the endangerment finding, a legal basis for most US climate regulations.

He noted that these actions align with his confirmation hearing pledges and the 2024 election outcome. Ahead of the speech, the Environmental Defense Fund Action placed posters near the Hotel Washington critiquing Zeldin's participation. Joanna Slaney, vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said the posters highlighted concerns about climate denial.

The event underscores tensions between current EPA policies and established climate science. Future EPA decisions may continue to influence national environmental regulations.