**Episode 12: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Regulatory Shakeup – A Comprehensive Analysis**

In this episode of the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator podcast, host Mortimer delves into the latest developments surrounding EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, a figure captivating headlines and stirring debate. On June 11, 2025, Zeldin proposed a landmark move to repeal significant Biden-Harris-era emissions regulations aimed at fossil fuel power plants, including the 2015 Clean Power Plan and its 2024 update. Highlighting the 2022 Supreme Court decision in West Virginia v. EPA, Zeldin’s EPA argues that current regulations impede energy sector operations, drive electricity costs higher, and threaten grid stability. Further, the agency plans to reverse recent mercury limits, reverting to 2012 standards, promising a $19 billion saving for the industry by 2046. Public reactions are mixed, with environmental advocates voicing strong opposition, while industry players hail the rollback as essential for economic stability.

Meanwhile, internal tremors shake the EPA, as staff express anxiety during Zeldin’s visit to the Chicago office. Concerns over potential budget cuts fuel workforce unrest, with unionized employees demanding clarity on job security and policy direction. Adding to the agency's challenges, Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s letter spotlights a surge in PFAS pollution in the Ohio River, urging Zeldin to take immediate action, amid rising public outcry on social media platforms.

Despite the controversies, Zeldin’s EPA is not abandoning all environmental efforts. On June 26, a $26 million initiative was announced to reduce lead exposure in drinking water within schools and child care facilities. This effort, funded by the WIIN Act, showcases the EPA's continued focus on public health, receiving widespread support from regional and local partners.

Join Mortimer as he navigates the contentious landscape of environmental policy under Zeldin's leadership. Whether you view Zeldin’s approach as necessary deregulation or detrimental to environmental progress, this episode provides critical insights into the ongoing transformation within the EPA. Subscribe now to the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator podcast for more updates and analysis. Produced by Quiet Please – for additional information, visit quietplease.ai.