Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) pressed Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on his commitment to responding to the wildfires impacting communities in Los Angeles.
Watch the full clip HERE
Key Excerpt:
On ensuring Zeldin will advocate for resources and aid to states facing natural disasters:
Schiff: […] Mr. Zeldin, as you’re well aware, the horrific fires that have ravaged California over the last week have displaced thousands of people, resulted in the loss of more than two dozen lives. As these fires continue to destroy Californians’ homes, livelihoods and so much more, it’s more important than ever that California has the full support of the federal government to recover and respond. Fueled by severe drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, unimaginable events like these fires devastate communities and worsen California’s water scarcity.
[…]
Can you provide Californians with the assurance that you will advocate the same strong recovery and response assistance from EPA, as EPA provided to your then constituency in Long Island after Hurricane Sandy if confirmed.
Zeldin: Senator, first off, congratulations on your election. I look forward to working with you on this committee, and we all from the rest of the country, have been watching what is playing out for your constituents. And many of us know people who have been impacted and they’ve lost everything. It’s impossible for us to put ourselves in the shoes of your constituents right now. I, if confirmed, would want to not only know everything in my power to be able to do as EPA administrator to assist you in fighting for your constituents who have been devastated by these wildfires. But I would want to, in fact, do everything in my power to be able to assist, to make sure that this recovery is as speedy as possible. I would like to come to California to speak to those on the ground, to hear any concerns that we need to take back with us to Washington, and to assist both you and Senator Padilla and your House colleagues to be able to fight for these constituents who have lost everything.
[…]
Schiff: And I assume, Mr. Zeldin, your response will not depend on whether disaster strikes a red state or a blue state. You will equally work to speed relief to those Americans affected?
Zeldin: Yes, Senator, it does not matter what kind of a state you’re from. All 50 states are going to be of the highest importance, regardless of where disaster ever strikes, anywhere in America.
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