By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin (above) to serve as administrator of the EPA.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump has promised on "Day 1" to end federal electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, a major factor in the nation's decision to deliver him a second election victory.
SEMA played a major role in bringing the EV mandate issue to the forefront of the election, using its Driving Force Action SuperPAC to educate American voters on the damage that such policies will cause for the nation's automotive small businesses and consumers.
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola reacted to the selection in a statement. Read the full statement below:
SEMA, on behalf of its more than 7,500 members in the automotive aftermarket industry, and the nation’s millions of automotive enthusiasts, applauds President-elect Donald J. Trump’s selection of Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. SEMA urges the U.S. Senate to quickly and resoundingly confirm former Rep. Zeldin for the role of EPA Administrator.
Former Rep. Zeldin, as a member of Congress and the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, sought to combat climate change while also protecting the nation’s economic prosperity through constructive dialogue about climate change, economics, energy and conservation. He was a champion of one of the automotive aftermarket industry’s previous legislative efforts to defend manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts against EPA overreach. His actions are reasonable and clear-headed in their approach to environmental issues.
SEMA stands ready to support Rep. Zeldin when the confirmation process begins in 2025, and work with him and his team to develop environmental policies that support the needs of small businesses and automotive enthusiasts nationwide.
Read the full statement here.