By Jim Soviero
Lifetime Long Islander Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump (R-FL) to serve as Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a big job at a critical government bureau that requires someone with both an exemplary personal profile and legislative experience.
Lee’s personal story is marked by character-building milestones that give insight into his integrity, loyalty, tireless, detail-oriented work ethic, courage, and patriotism. After attending public schools in the William Floyd School District, he went to SUNY Albany to become, at that time, the youngest person to get a law degree in New York State. Zeldin received an Army ROTC commission. While serving as a second lieutenant in the famed 82nd Airborne during the Iraq War, he was called home. Lee’s wife Diana was in labor with twin girls, born at 25 1/2 weeks, and weighing less than 1 1/2 lbs. each. Lengthy hospital stays ensued.
On September 18, 2021, Lee announced he’d been diagnosed the previous November with Leukemia, was “in complete remission” and the disease had no impact on his work or Army Reserve duties.
During a July 21, 2022, event, while campaigning for NYS governor, Zeldin was attacked on stage by a man wielding a double-bladed weapon. The attacker was subdued, and Lee continued his barnstorming schedule.
Mr. Zeldin, whether it be good times or bad, has the ability to remain remarkably calm, focused, and empathetic to those around him. Having lived close to the shoreline virtually his entire life, Lee has been active in promoting legislation to protect environmentally sensitive lands and waterways. Here are some examples:
- Helped preserve the Long Island Sound by working across the aisle to pass the America’s Water Infrastructure Act, which included reauthorization of EPA Long Island Sound funding at $40 million per year.
- Annually led a bipartisan coalition to secure funding for Sea Grant, which supports American fishermen and oyster growers, protects U.S. beaches, and bolsters marine science research essential to local economies and the environment.
- Permanently secured protection for Plum Island by successfully getting a new law passed blocking the sale of the island to the highest bidder.
- Supported clean and green energy on L.I. by getting monies for research at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory.
- Led Democrats and Republicans in getting permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
At 44 years of age, Lee Zeldin has balanced a remarkable professional resume of resiliency and legislative successes with a wonderful family life. Lee’s shown he has the energy, intellect, and empathy to successfully meet the most difficult challenges. He’ll do the same while leading the EPA.
Jim Soviero is a small business owner and former Special Education Teacher. He worked with Congressman Zeldin on a number of issues, including cleaning up the Long Island Sound, the fentanyl crisis, and supporting law enforcement.
