Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin will face tough questions from Democrats about his fitness to be the EPA administrator at a Senate hearing Thursday, but he appears to be on a path to confirmation.

WASHINGTON -- Former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin denied that he will favor industry over the environment and declared he thinks climate change is real as he faced questions Thursday on his nomination to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Long Island environmentalists offered mixed reviews of Lee Zeldin's answers during his Senate confirmation hearing for EPA administrator.

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency, appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin is facing his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Thursday. Here's what you need to know.

Former LI congressman Lee Zeldin said he will not favor industry over the environment and declared that "climate change is real" at a Senate hearing Thursday on his nomination. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

I have seen firsthand my former colleague Lee Zeldin’s commitment to the environment while ensuring America remains economically competitive on the global stage.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin said that his role will be to help “unleash economic prosperity” — in part by cutting regulations.

I believe that climate change is real,” Zeldin said, adding that he would work to “ensure we are protecting our environment, while also protecting our economy.”

After four years out of office, he vows to quickly undo many of the policies of his departing predecessor, Joe Biden.

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Republican former congressman Lee Zeldin to head the country's Environmental Protection Agency. A key appointment in Trump's climate agenda-- which includes boosting fossil fuel expansion and rolling back environmental regulation-- is Lee Zeldin,

Lee Zeldin highlighted his plan to balance environmental and economic concerns and said working on PFAS passive receiver issues would be on his to-do list if he is confirmed.