EPA Boss Slams 'Left-Wing Recipe for Catastrophe'

Zeldin Criticizes New York's Climate Act as 'Delusional'

On Sunday, April 20, two days before Earth Day, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin sharply criticized New York's Climate Act, telling the New York Post it was a "left-wing recipe for an energy and economic catastrophe."
Zeldin's remarks came in the wake of the Donald Trump administration halting the Empire Wind Power project off the New York-New Jersey coast. 
This decision, which delayed the state's efforts to meet emission reduction goals under its controversial green energy law, sparked heated reactions from both political sides.
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Zeldin's Opposition to New York's Green Energy Goals

Lee Zeldin expressed his concern that New York's ambitious climate goals are unrealistic and lack a feasible plan for achieving them. 
"New York's lofty climate goals don't come equipped with any feasible plan to actually achieve them. The consequence is that the people who can least afford the economic pain are the ones who get targeted and harmed the most," he told The Post. 
Zeldin criticized the state's policies, including the ban on the "safe extraction" of natural gas and the push to eliminate gas-powered vehicles and stoves. 
"The idea that we can replace baseload forms of power with intermittent power like wind is simply delusional," he said.

Experts and Industry Leaders Agree on Reworking the Climate Act

Several experts and energy professionals echoed Lee Zeldin's concerns. 
John Howard, former interim chairman of the Public Service Commission, called for a reevaluation of the Climate Act, stating, "We can flap our arms. It doesn't mean we're going to fly. Let's face reality." 
Howard, who described the law as "well-intentioned" but overly optimistic, added, "The circumstances have changed. Let's figure out what we're going to do." 
He stressed the need for a more practical approach to achieving New York's climate targets.

Impact of Trump's Potential Cuts to Renewable Energy Tax Credits

One of the complicating factors in achieving the Climate Act's ambitious goals is the possibility of tax credit cuts for renewable energy projects that fight climate change.
John Howard noted that renewable energy tax incentives, which support solar and wind energy, may be reduced or eliminated in the upcoming budget under President Donald Trump. 
He warned that this could significantly affect the state's ability to meet its green energy mandates: "New York residents may soon feel the results of the climate law in their wallets as well," Howard said, referring to potential increases in utility costs.

Hochul Responds to Criticism

Governor Kathy Hochul, while facing criticism, defended New York's green energy transition. 
Spokesperson Paul DeMichele emphasized the state's progress, noting, "We have one of the cleanest grids in the nation — with 50 percent zero-emission electricity." 
Hochul's office also criticized the Donald Trump administration's decision to pause the Empire Wind project, stating, "The governor recognizes that we can only continue to serve as that good example if the lights stay on and costs are low." 
However, Lee Zeldin countered by defending the Trump administration's approach, stating that it promotes a balanced energy strategy that considers both environmental protection and economic growth: "The Trump EPA understands that we can and must protect the environment AND grow the economy," he said, emphasizing the need for a more pragmatic and economically viable energy policy.

Social Media Reacts

Reactions to Lee Zeldin's statements concerning Donald Trump's directives were varied among the general public on social media. 
One X user commented, "Zeldin is right — New York's green energy laws need to be reconsidered. They're costly and unrealistic, and everyday people will pay the price." 
Another user posted, "The climate laws might be ambitious, but we need solutions that work for everyone, not just the elite. Zeldin's approach seems more grounded in reality."