WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a key role to help President Donald Trump fulfill his pledge to roll back major environmental regulations, including those aimed at slowing climate change and encouraging use of electric vehicles.

GOP former House member Lee Zeldin, picked to be EPA administrator, pledged strict interpretation of the country's environmental laws.

The former New York congressman acknowledged the dangers of a shifting climate and vowed to follow the law — but demurred on questions about the president-elect’s views on climate change.

Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse rebuked Biden for giving the speech four years too late, adding he would've been reelected if he ran on it.

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was once a darling in Democratic circles thanks to his environmental work and famous family. But he shouldn't expect a warm welcome from Senate Democrats at his confirmation hearings.

I believe that climate change is real," Lee Zeldin told senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee. He added that environmental policies should not hamper economic growth.