Climate Change Denial Gains Ground in Trump's Washington

On April 6, 2026, Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered a keynote address at a conference organized by the Heartland Institute, a prominent climate-denying think tank. This event marked a significant moment for climate change denial in the current political landscape, as it featured Zeldin, a potential candidate for attorney general under President Donald Trump. The conference attracted approximately 220 attendees, signaling a resurgence of climate skepticism within Trump's administration.

Bloomberg

Zeldin's speech emphasized a rejection of established climate science. He stated, “We aren’t just following blind obedience to whatever the dire, doom-and-gloom prediction of the day is,” and criticized previous administrations for adhering to climate scientists' warnings. He further claimed that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant but essential for life on Earth, a sentiment echoed by other conference speakers, including Heartland Institute President James Taylor, who declared, “There is no climate crisis.”

Mother Jones

The Heartland Institute has been a long-time advocate for climate skepticism, often branding climate science as "fake news." The organization has received funding from major fossil fuel companies, including Shell and ExxonMobil, and has previously drawn criticism for its controversial messaging, such as comparing climate activists to the Unabomber. Under Zeldin's leadership, the EPA has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including the repeal of the "endangerment finding," a critical legal basis for federal climate policies.

Mother JonesBloombergNew York Times

In his address, Zeldin asserted that the actions taken by the EPA over the past 14 months reflect the will of the American public, who he claims voted for Trump's deregulatory agenda. Environmental advocates have responded with alarm, with over 160 organizations calling for Zeldin's resignation, accusing him of betraying the EPA's core mission. Joanna Slaney, a vice president at the Environmental Defense Fund, criticized Zeldin's participation in the conference, stating that climate denial does not improve Americans' lives.

Mother Jones

Critics of Zeldin's stance argue that his rhetoric undermines scientific consensus on climate change, which warns of severe consequences from rising greenhouse gas emissions. Experts have consistently highlighted the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels to mitigate climate impacts. The backlash against Zeldin's remarks reflects broader concerns about the Trump administration's approach to environmental policy, which many view as increasingly hostile to scientific inquiry.

Mother Jones

As the Trump administration continues to embrace climate skepticism, the implications for U.S. environmental policy remain significant. The ongoing influence of organizations like the Heartland Institute suggests that climate denial may persist as a prominent narrative in American politics, potentially affecting future legislation and public perception of climate science.

Mother Jones

• “We aren’t just following blind obedience to whatever the dire, doom-and-gloom prediction of the day is,” — Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

New York Times

• “Carbon dioxide, which is required for life on Earth…is not a pollutant and never was.” — Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

Mother Jones

• “There is no climate crisis,” — James Taylor, Heartland Institute President

Bloomberg

This convergence of political power and climate skepticism highlights a critical moment in the ongoing debate over climate change, with potential long-term consequences for environmental policy in the United States.

Mother Jones