Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – “Hour 3 - EPA Head Lee Zeldin”

Introduction to Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator

In the February 24, 2025 episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton welcome Lee Zeldin, the newly appointed head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin, a former governor of New York, shares his insights and the initial findings since taking office. The discussion primarily revolves around the mismanagement and financial irregularities within the EPA under the previous administration.

Uncovering Waste and Abuse at the EPA

Zeldin delves into the significant financial waste and abuse he has uncovered within the EPA. Reflecting on his Senate confirmation process, he references a misleading video by a Biden EPA appointee discussing the absurdity of throwing gold bars off the Titanic to secure NGO jobs. “Tens of billions of dollars” were found to be misallocated, with Zeldin highlighting several key instances:

• Grant Cancellations: Zeldin canceled a $50 million grant to the Climate Justice Alliance, citing their linkage of climate justice with geopolitical issues like the situation in Palestine. Additionally, approximately 90 grants totaling around $125 million related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and environmental justice initiatives were terminated.

  “I canceled over a million dollars worth of media subscriptions where the agency was getting ripped off, having to pay too much.” (03:15)

• Misallocated Funds: A staggering $20 billion was discovered in a fund parked outside government oversight, funneling money to eight pass-through NGOs, including Stacey Abrams' organization, which received $2 billion disproportionate to its 2023 revenue of $100. Another $5 billion was diverted to the former employer of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund director.

  “We are not done. It's wild how much waste we've identified.” (03:15)

• Failed Contracts: A $160 million allocation to a Canadian electric vehicle school bus company under the Clean School Bus Program resulted in bankruptcy, leaving $95 million in undelivered buses for 55 school districts.

  “They declared bankruptcy without performing on most of the contract.” (03:15)

Critique of Environmental Justice and Climate Change Policies

Zeldin offers a critical perspective on the current interpretations of “environmental justice” and “climate change.” He argues that these terms are often co-opted to push left-leaning agendas without genuine oversight or accountability.

“In the name of environmental justice, they'll give $50 million to a left-wing advocacy group that's talking about how climate justice runs through Gaza.” (06:37)

He emphasizes that such policies could lead to extreme economic repercussions, including increased energy costs and reduced consumer choice, disproportionately affecting those least able to afford them. Zeldin defends President Trump’s stance, referencing Trump’s critique of climate change as a hoax aimed at preventing economic damage.

“There's a willingness to cause extreme economic pain for the people who can at least afford it. And it's wrong. And he wants to stop that. And he's right.” (06:37)

EPA’s Strategic Initiatives Under Zeldin’s Leadership

Zeldin outlines his administration’s priorities, encapsulated in the five-pillar initiative titled “Powering the Great American Comeback.” These include:

1. Clean Air, Land, and Water: Continuing efforts to remove hazardous materials and respond to environmental disasters swiftly.

   “We have over 1,500 workers on the ground to crush that job.” (12:52)

2. Energy Dominance: Promoting projects like the Constitution Pipeline to enhance natural gas transport across the Northeast, countering restrictions on gas extraction and the shift towards renewable energy sources.

   “There's a big pipeline project called Constitution Pipeline that would transport natural gas across many states in the Northeast.” (09:34)

3. Permitting Reform: Streamlining regulatory processes to foster economic growth and infrastructure development.

4. Revitalizing American Auto Jobs: Bringing back manufacturing jobs in the automotive sector to boost the economy.

5. AI Capital of the World: Ensuring the United States leads in artificial intelligence development and implementation.

Zeldin also highlights ongoing missions, including hazardous material removal post-wildfires in Los Angeles, responses to natural disasters in Flint, Michigan, East Palestine, Ohio, and Kentucky flooding.

“We are going to end the waste and abuse at the EPA.” (05:53)

Political and Economic Context

Buck Sexton engages Zeldin in a broader discussion about the Trump administration's efforts to restore sanity in governance, particularly in regions like New York and New Jersey. Zeldin attributes progress to prioritizing the economy, public safety, and border security. He underscores that the administration is “just getting started” and envisions a “golden age of American success.”

“Top issues for Americans... are related to the economy and crime and public safety.” (09:34)

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the conversation wraps up, Zeldin reaffirms his commitment to restoring integrity and efficiency within the EPA. He emphasizes adherence to statutory obligations, respect for the rule of law, and cooperative federalism to work alongside state governments.

“We are going to do our job exceptionally, we are going to follow our obligations under the law. We are going to respect the rule of law, and we are going to embrace cooperative federalism.” (12:52)

Notable Quotes

• “It's wild how much waste we've ID'd.” – Lee Zeldin (03:15)
• “In the name of environmental justice, they'll give $50 million to a left-wing advocacy group.” – Lee Zeldin (06:37)
• “We are going to end the waste and abuse at the EPA.” – Lee Zeldin (05:53)
• “Top issues for Americans... are related to the economy and crime and public safety.” – Lee Zeldin (09:34)

Key Takeaways

• EPA Overhaul: Lee Zeldin is actively dismantling previous administration's financial mismanagement within the EPA.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Significant grants and funds misallocated towards politically biased organizations are being revoked.
• Policy Critique: Zeldin challenges the current narrative around environmental justice and climate change, advocating for policies that do not harm the economy.
• Strategic Initiatives: The EPA under Zeldin is focused on environmental cleanup, energy dominance, regulatory reform, job creation, and technological leadership.
• Future Vision: Zeldin envisions a robust, economically vibrant America with stringent oversight and efficient governance.

This episode provides an in-depth look into the challenges and reforms being undertaken by the EPA under Lee Zeldin’s leadership, highlighting a shift towards fiscal responsibility and policy realignment within the agency.