Verdict with Ted Cruz: American Energy Dominance – A 1 on 1 with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

Release Date: April 18, 2025

In this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson, the discussion centers around America's energy dominance with a special guest, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Filmed in Midland, Texas—the heart of the shale revolution—the episode delves into the current state of energy production, the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the administration's efforts to balance environmental protection with economic growth.

Introduction and Historic Milestone

Senator Ted Cruz opens the episode by announcing a significant achievement: "You're making history, Senator, as from what I know, you are the first, first sitting member of Congress to ever have a syndicated radio show" [02:38]. This expansion into radio syndication aims to broaden the show's reach, enabling "Verdict" to engage with a larger audience across 84 stations nationwide.

Guest Introduction: Lee Zeldin

Cruz introduces Lee Zeldin, the EPA Administrator, highlighting his extensive background: "Lee is a veteran. He spent 22 years in active duty in the reserves. He was a member of Congress for eight years from the great state of New York." [02:38]. Cruz emphasizes their longstanding relationship, mentioning, "I went to Long Island and campaigned alongside him." [02:38]. Despite a political setback in New York, which Cruz attributes to Democrats' policies, Zeldin's appointment is portrayed as a triumph for national interests.

Energy Production in Midland, Texas

The conversation shifts to Midland, Texas, described by Cruz as "the most entrepreneurial city on the face of the planet... driving the shale revolution." [04:00]. Zeldin recounts his visit to a local oil rig:

"They built baffles around the rig so it doesn't make much sound, it's not disturbing people. And what they're doing, they're drilling down, they're going horizontal and they're going horizontal under people's homes, under people's businesses." [06:10].

This innovative drilling technique ensures minimal environmental disruption while maximizing energy output. Zeldin emphasizes the economic benefits for local residents, "if they go under your home bend, you get a royalty check. They've literally got 10,000 people... they get every week mailbox money." [06:10].

EPA’s Role and Deregulation Efforts

Zeldin discusses the EPA's mission to protect both the environment and the economy, asserting that these goals are not mutually exclusive:

"Conservatives care deeply about protecting the environment. We believe that we can both protect the environment and grow the economy. This isn't a binary choice." [22:24].

He outlines the administration's aggressive deregulation strategy, stating:

"There has never been a year in the past where the entire federal government did more deregulation than the EPA will do in 2025." [30:05].

This approach aims to streamline permitting processes and reduce bureaucratic red tape, thereby fostering economic growth and energy production.

Financial Oversight and Cancellation of Grants

A significant portion of the discussion centers on financial mismanagement within the EPA under previous administrations. Zeldin reveals his efforts to rectify this:

"EPA's annual budget is about $10 billion. So far, I've canceled $22 billion worth of grants." [10:15].

He criticizes the Biden administration for misallocating funds, citing the case of Stacey Abrams' NGO, which received an unexpected grant of $2 billion despite minimal prior funding:

"They created these green slush funds... One is Stacey Abrams' NGO that received $2 billion even though they only received $100 in 2023." [11:28].

Zeldin likens the situation to "throwing $20 billion in gold bars off the Titanic before inauguration," highlighting the urgency and misplaced priorities [12:00]. The administration's focus is on ensuring taxpayer money is spent responsibly and directly on environmental remediation rather than politically motivated projects.

EPA’s Active Missions and Case Studies

Zeldin provides concrete examples of the EPA's current initiatives to demonstrate effective governance:

1. California Wildfires Cleanup:

   After severe wildfires in Los Angeles, Zeldin recounts near-record response times:

   "President Trump signed an executive order... EPA, you have 30 days to do your entire phase one hazardous material removal before phase two starts." [31:27].

   Despite initial skepticism, the EPA successfully mobilized over 1,500 workers to complete the cleanup in under 30 days, showcasing the agency's capability under streamlined leadership [32:02].

2. Tijuana Sewage Contamination:

   Addressing long-term environmental issues, Zeldin outlines plans to tackle persistent raw sewage contamination from Tijuana:

   "We've decided enough is enough. We're going to Tijuana in the coming days." [35:06].

   The goal is to protect both environmental and public health by ensuring clean water and air standards are met.

3. East Palestine Train Derailment:

   Reflecting on past incidents, Zeldin emphasizes the importance of prompt and unbiased EPA interventions:

   "EPA removed 220,000 tons of contaminated soil and tens of millions of gallons of water. It became a massive EPA effort that is still ongoing." [34:11].

   This case highlights the EPA's commitment to comprehensive environmental remediation irrespective of political affiliations.

Cabinet Dynamics and Leadership under Trump

Zeldin shares insights into the collaborative and straightforward nature of President Trump's cabinet:

"We have a cabinet where everyone gets along with each other... we could tell him where we disagree on any topic." [25:34].

He contrasts this with the "team of rivals" approach, advocating for a cohesive team that maintains open communication and mutual respect. This environment fosters effective decision-making and unified policy implementation.

Appointment of Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator

Discussing his appointment, Zeldin reflects on President Trump's decisive leadership:

"The president was deeply knowledgeable on everything that we needed to do to do a great job." [28:13].

He highlights the strategic advantage of being appointed early, allowing ample time to prepare and implement policies promptly:

"One of the cool things about contacting me on November 11th... is that it is a runway to get fully staffed up, to fully prepare for how to hit the ground running once we got there." [28:13].

Importance of EPA to Everyday Americans

Cruz and Zeldin delve into the EPA's pervasive influence on daily life. Zeldin enumerates the foundational laws under the EPA's purview:

"Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, CERCLA for Super Funds, Toxic Substances Control Act." [30:05].

He underscores the agency's critical role in permitting reform, which can expedite infrastructure projects and reduce economic bottlenecks:

"EPA could speed up a whole lot of permitting timelines by just getting out of the way." [30:05].

Furthermore, Zeldin emphasizes the EPA's potential to enhance job creation and energy independence, directly impacting Americans' economic well-being.

Future Outlook and Closing Remarks

Towards the end of the episode, Zeldin speaks passionately about advancing intelligent energy policies:

"There are people promoting wind as an intermittent source, as if that's a substitute for baseload power. For all of you out there listening, let's get smart, educate, advocate for the people who are around." [38:42].

Cruz wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay engaged and share the podcast:

"Don't forget, this is exactly why we do the show three days a week. Hit that subscribe or auto-download button... share this podcast wherever you are." [41:33].

Key Takeaways

• Economic and Environmental Balance: The EPA under Zeldin aims to harmonize environmental protection with robust economic growth, challenging the notion that these objectives are mutually exclusive.

• Financial Accountability: A significant focus is placed on rectifying previous financial mismanagement within the EPA, ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively and transparently.

• Proactive Environmental Action: The EPA is actively addressing environmental crises, from wildfire cleanups to international pollution issues, demonstrating its crucial role in safeguarding public health and the environment.

• Collaborative Leadership: The Trump administration fosters a collaborative cabinet environment, promoting open dialogue and efficient policy implementation.

• Energy Policy Innovation: Emphasis on deregulation and smart energy policies seeks to enhance America's energy independence and economic resilience.

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of energy policy, environmental stewardship, and governmental accountability, providing listeners with valuable insights into the current and future landscape of American energy dominance.