New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Meets with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin
September 25, 2026
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Meets with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin regarding the discovery of elevated radiation levels in the Town of Niagara and surrounding areas of Western New York.
During the meeting, Senator Ortt spoke with Administrator Zeldin about the latest developments affecting local homeowners and stressed the need for continued federal leadership, accelerated testing and remediation, clear communication with residents and government partners, and stronger coordination between the EPA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Department of Health.
Senator Ortt also used the meeting to underscore his efforts within the state legislature to push for the passage and signing of his bill, Senate Bill S.10672, which would expand New York State’s Superfund program to include radioactive and radiological waste. Under current state law, New York’s Superfund includes various hazardous and toxic wastes, but explicitly excludes radiation.
“From the beginning, I’ve committed myself and my office to advocating for affected residents, and assisting them in connecting with EPA, DEC, and DOH resources. I’ve been on the ground and met with families whose homes and properties are spiking radioactive levels off the charts - nobody should have to live like this,” said New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt. “Administrator Zeldin is fully aware of our situation, and agrees that my bill is a common sense solution that would give our state more tools to quickly and effectively test and remediate radioactive properties.”
“The Trump EPA has been working tirelessly to address potential radiological contamination in western New York and protect the health of residents,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
“We’ve surged resources into the region and have worked to ensure maximum transparency with impacted residents and the public. Make no mistake, this is a top priority for us and we’re committed to coordinating with the state until the job is done.”
In the coming days, Senator Ortt plans on directly contacting affected residents to thoroughly discuss details of the meeting with Administrator Zeldin.
“I’d like to thank Administrator Zeldin for meeting with me, the outstanding work they are doing regarding this situation, and for making Western New York a priority,” closed Minority Leader Rob Ortt.
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