EPA Administrator Zeldin Visits Arizona, Meets with AZ Elected Officials and Ak-Chin Indian Community
Visit marks Zeldin’s first to Indian country in his capacity as Administrator
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled to Arizona to participate in a series of roundtable discussions and meetings with Arizona Elected officials. Upon arriving, Zeldin met with Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and then attended a roundtable hosted by Arizona State Senator Jacob Hoffman and industry stakeholders.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Administrator Zeldin participated in roundtables with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and local elected officials focused on Ozone Nonattainment issues and other issues within EPA’s jurisdiction. Then, the Administrator met with the Ak-Chin Indian Community which was first trip to Indian country since being sworn into office.
“During my confirmation process, I made a commitment to Senator Kelly that I would soon return to Arizona to meet about important EPA issues of concern for state residents,” said Administrator Zeldin. “It was a fantastic visit with local businesses and community leaders dedicated to providing clean air and economic opportunity for Arizona.”
“I’m glad to welcome Administrator Zeldin to Phoenix as we work to tackle Arizona’s air quality challenges,” said Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “Our economy is rapidly growing, with semiconductor and clean energy manufacturing creating thousands of good-paying jobs. Arizonans deserve clean air, but we need the right tools to address pollution without compromising economic growth. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin’s commitment to hearing directly from local leaders and finding solutions that give Arizona the resources and flexibility to improve air quality while continuing to create jobs and expand manufacturing.”
The roundtable discussions had participants from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and federal and local government representatives. Arizona and specifically Maricopa County continue to face hardships regarding the ability to achieve attainment of air quality standards. EPA will work closely with these officials to help Arizona on a common-sense path to cleaner air in a way that allows Phoenix to also continue its economic growth.
Following his morning roundtables, Administrator Zeldin traveled to meet with Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council Members Dennis Antone, Lisa Garcia and Cecil Peters, as well as Roman Orona, Ak-Chin Indian Community Environmental Manager and EPA National Tribal Caucus Representative, and other members of the community. The Ak-Chin Indian Community engages in farming and agriculture, and the discussion focused on water issues, pesticides and more.
“I am grateful to the Ak-Chin Indian Community for hosting my first visit to Indian country,” said Administrator Zeldin. “Tribal Governments and EPA have a unique government to government relationship. I am proud of the valuable work we do with Tribes and in partnership with the National Tribal Caucus to ensure all Americans have access to clean air, land and water.”
“It was a phenomenal learning opportunity to meet with the leadership of the Ak-Chin Tribe and Administrator Zeldin and see firsthand the benefits of Indian Self Determination in managing clean water infrastructure for people and farming,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook.
“We appreciate Administrator Zeldin coming to Ak-Chin community, and of his willingness to seek the native environmental perspective. I look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin and the Trump Administration to further tribal participation in the federal governments’ partnership in Indian County,” said Roman Orona.
Last month, Zeldin addressed the joint Region 8 and Region 9 Tribal Operations Committee meeting to express his commitment to EPA’s continued relationship with federally recognized Tribes.
Zeldin concluded the day by meeting with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to discuss air quality issues in Arizona.
