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April 9, 2025

More than two-thirds of all congressional Democrats signed onto a letter Wednesday slamming EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for his efforts to roll back environmental regulations, cancel renewable energy grants and purge hundreds of agency employees.

The new letter, bearing the names of 180 Democrats in the House and Senate, represents one of the party's broadest and most unified swipes at Zeldin — a former House member — as he continues what he called the "biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history."

Among other proposals, Zeldin has said he wants to cut EPA’s funding by 65 percent, recoup $20 billion in obligated funding for climate-focused nonprofits and eliminate programs dedicated to environmental justice, the idea that communities disproportionately affected by pollution ought to receive additional support for remediation.

The letter was led by Senate Environment and Public Works ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), House Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, which has 100 members.

It was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)

"In just two months as EPA Administrator, you have demonstrated a complete disregard for the central mission of the agency you were appointed to lead," the lawmakers wrote. "Instead of protecting the environment — as the agency name directs — you are protecting the special interests of big polluters."

They added, "We urge you to halt your egregious attacks on the public health and well-being of the American people."

The Democrats asserted that the overhaul of EPA under Zeldin will worsen climate change while increasing pollution-related health issues and driving up electricity costs.

The letter outlined a host of grievances against Zeldin but did not make any specific requests for change.

Democrats also held a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon to criticize Zeldin's "attacks on clean air, clean water, and a healthy future for the American people."

An EPA spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.