Trump's EPA Chief Addresses Conference of Climate Change Skeptics

Apr 11, 2026, 2:29 AM

Hover over text to view sources

On Wednesday morning, Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered a keynote speech at the Heartland Institute's 16th International Conference on Climate Change in Washington, DC The Heartland Institute is known for its skeptical stance on climate change, having previously engaged in campaigns that equate climate advocates with extremists such as the Unabomber.

In his address, Zeldin emphasized a departure from what he termed "bad, flawed assumptions" about climate science, asserting that his administration would no longer adhere to the prevailing views held by climate scientists. He mocked the media's characterization of his views as "controversial" and reinforced his commitment to what he referred to as "climate realism." He stated, "It's controversial that we won't sign up for the script that the world is imminently about to end," implying skepticism towards urgent climate warnings issued by figures like John Kerry and Al Gore.

Zeldin's participation in the conference has been met with widespread criticism from environmental and public health organizations. Over 160 groups have called for his resignation, arguing that no previous EPA administrator has so openly disregarded the agency's core mission of protecting public health and the environment. Joanna Slaney, vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund, criticized Zeldin's alignment with the Heartland Institute, saying, "Lee Zeldin is executing on the playbook of denial written by the Heartland Institute." She pointed out that climate denial does not alleviate the mounting costs associated with climate change.

During his speech, Zeldin highlighted the controversial repeal of the EPA's "endangerment finding," a key legal determination that recognized greenhouse gas emissions as a threat to public health. This repeal has drawn significant backlash from scientists and environmental advocates, who argue it undermines crucial efforts to combat climate change. Zeldin stated, "What we are doing in the last 14 months is no surprise. It is what I pledged during my confirmation hearing, and it is what the American public voted for when they put Donald J. Trump back in office.".

The Heartland Institute, which organized the conference, has a lengthy history of promoting skepticism about climate science. It has received funding from major fossil fuel companies and has been a vocal opponent of government action to address climate change. Zeldin's address was introduced by Craig Rucker, the president of a right-wing group that challenges what it calls "climate exaggeration," who praised Zeldin as a "friend of sound science.".

Critics have pointed out that Zeldin's remarks echo the institute's long-standing rhetoric, which often dismisses mainstream climate science as alarmist. The conference included a panel featuring authors of a contentious Department of Energy report aimed at supporting the repeal of the endangerment finding, which has been criticized for its lack of scientific rigor.

Zeldin's speech and the conference as a whole reflect the ongoing divide in US climate policy, particularly under the Trump administration, which has been characterized by a systematic rollback of environmental regulations. The Heartland Institute's agenda includes further efforts to dismantle existing climate policies, as many attendees expressed a desire for even more aggressive actions to limit government involvement in climate regulation.

In summary, Zeldin's keynote at the Heartland Institute's climate change conference underscores the administration's controversial stance on climate science and its implications for environmental policy in the United States. As environmental advocates continue to push back, the debate over climate change and its management remains as contentious as ever.

EPA Chief Lauds Climate Change Skeptic Group Amid Controversy

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently praised the Heartland Institute, a group that challenges mainstream climate science and promotes skepticism about government action on climate change. This endorsement coincides with significant regulatory rollbacks initiated by the Trump administration, raising concerns among environmental advocates.

Webinar Examines Climate Change, Governance, and the Trump Administration

A recent webinar highlighted the pressing issues surrounding climate change governance under the Trump administration. Experts discussed the implications of regulatory rollbacks and the need for urgent action in the face of climate challenges.

Vermont Joins Coalition Suing EPA Over Climate Regulation Rollbacks

Vermont has joined a coalition of states suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its recent decision to renounce its authority to regulate climate pollution. The lawsuit challenges the EPA's rollback of the 2009 endangerment finding, which is crucial for enforcing climate protections under the Clean Air Act.

California Sues Trump Over Repeal of EPA's Climate Authority

California is suing the Trump administration for its recent repeal of the EPA's Endangerment Finding, which is crucial for regulating greenhouse gases. Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the move as detrimental to public health and the environment, promising to challenge it in court. This lawsuit represents a significant escalation in California's ongoing battle for climate action.

Gov. Shapiro Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against Trump's EPA Decision

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined a coalition of 25 states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which recognizes the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions. This legal action aims to restore federal regulations aimed at reducing climate pollution, asserting that the rollback threatens public health and the environment.