“EPA’s regional offices across the country are the backbone of our mission,” Zeldin said. “I’m grateful for Regional Administrator Martucci and his staff for the warm welcome. Region 2 employees are committed to our cause and are working around the clock.”

Martucci praised Zeldin’s hands-on approach and his focus on the agency’s core mission.

“Administrator Zeldin has hit the ground running since taking office, and I was proud to have him here in Region 2’s New York offices today,” Martucci said. “He has an incredible work ethic and brings a new energy and focus on our goal of delivering clean air, clean land, and clean water to the American people.”

Zeldin’s visit to New York comes as part of a nationwide effort to engage directly with EPA employees. Last week, he met with staff in the agency’s Region 4 and Region 9 offices. He also visited three disaster response sites, where he met with local residents, community leaders, and EPA personnel working on recovery efforts.

While Zeldin's experience in Congress and his past advocacy for conservation initiatives suggest some familiarity with environmental issues, skepticism remains about how this will translate into effective leadership at the EPA. His legislative record has been mixed, at times aligning with deregulation efforts that could undermine environmental protections. Also, political pressures and partisan interests may influence his decision-making, raising questions about whether his leadership will prioritize long-term ecological health over short-term economic or political gains. Critics may also question whether his understanding of the region’s challenges will translate into policies that address environmental concerns on a national scale.