Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency
The Biden administration has used the E.P.A. to advance its climate agenda, limiting emissions from automobiles, power plants and oil wells. Mr. Zeldin is likely to scrap those regulations.
What he has said:
“I think that there is more of an awareness and a willingness to recognize that climate change is real, and Congress is more and more open-minded toward identifying those solutions.” — 2016 interview in “Years of Living Dangerously,” a documentary television series
“There are regulations that the left wing of this country have been advocating through regulatory power that ends up causing businesses to go in the wrong direction.” — Nov. 11, 2024, Fox News interview
What else to know:
Mr. Zeldin is a former House member from New York whose positions on climate appear to have shifted. Mr. Zeldin often noted that his Long Island district was surrounded by water and backed measures to make coastal areas more resilient. When he unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, though, he called for reversing New York’s ban on hydraulic fracking. He has promised as E.P.A. chief to support Mr. Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda.
Doug Burgum, Interior Department
The secretary of the interior will oversee where, whether and how quickly companies can drill for oil and gas on federal lands and waters, and decide whether renewable energy projects can get access to those same public spaces.
What he has said:
CNN: “A new analysis that was released this week by a global group of scientists found extreme heat waves across three continents this month were made significantly more likely by the human-caused climate crisis. Do you agree humans are to blame for what’s happening?”
Burgum: “Well, I know the climate is changing, we know that. And I’ll tell you in North Dakota, we’re the only state that set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. But we’re not doing it with a bunch of regulations. We said we can get there through no new mandates, no new regulations, all through innovation. And that’s happening in North Dakota right now. And again, I think if people want to have a discussion, if they think CO2’s the cause, then let’s get serious about what we can to reduce that. Again, there’s all kinds of things we can do that are more effective than the crazy plans that are in place now.” — CNN interview, July 2023
What else to know:
As governor of North Dakota, home to the oil and gas-rich Bakken Formation, Mr. Burgum has close ties to industry leaders including Harold G. Hamm, the billionaire founder and chairman of Continental Resources. During the presidential campaign, Mr. Burgum served as an unofficial liaison between Mr. Trump and oil and gas executives.
Chris Wright, Energy Department
The Energy Department oversees energy research, determines gas export approvals and manages the nation’s nuclear stockpile. During the Biden administration, it has advanced clean energy research, development and deployment.
What he has said:
“We have seen no increase in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or floods despite endless fear-mongering of the media, politicians and activists.” — 2023 LinkedIn video
What else to know:
As the chief executive of a fracking services company, Mr. Wright has made a fortune from gas and oil. He has described fossil fuels as a solution to poverty. His nomination was supported by Mr. Hamm, the oil billionaire.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Department
Under Mr. Biden, H.H.S. created the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, focusing on the impacts of climate change on human health.
What he has said:
“I believe that climate change is existential.” — April 2024 New York Times interview
What else to know:
Mr. Kennedy acknowledges global warming but said that “this crisis is being used as a pretext for clamping down totalitarian controls.” He said in an interview that the environmental movement should focus on issues like reducing toxic chemicals, protecting biodiversity and supporting regenerative farming, which he said were “much more appealing to the public.” In announcing Mr. Kennedy would join the administration, Mr. Trump told him “you can’t touch our liquid gold,” referring to oil.