Trump appoints oil executive Chris Wright as Energy Secretary
The oil executive and GOP fundraiser challenges the necessity of taking action against climate change.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Chris Wright, CEO of an oil industry company, to lead the Energy Department. Wright is known for his outspoken criticism of government initiatives aimed at combating climate change, making him a contentious choice to oversee an agency pivotal to the Biden administration's clean energy strategies.
If his confirmation by the Senate is successful, Wright is expected to vocally oppose measures designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions linked to fossil fuel combustion, emissions that contribute to rising global temperatures and increased severe weather events. His mandate will include fulfilling Trump's campaign pledge to revoke billions in funding that supports the Biden administration's climate and energy initiatives and reactivating the issuance of natural gas export permits, which President Biden had suspended earlier this year.
Wright serves as the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based fracking company, and is aligned with Republican fundraising efforts. His nomination garnered support from Harold Hamm, an oil executive who has consulted Trump on energy matters. Should he assume leadership at the Energy Department, Wright would oversee a division responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear arsenal, managing national laboratories, and administering funds from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Trump said, "As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new ‘Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.’" In addition, Wright will collaborate with Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum on the new National Energy Council, which Trump noted will guide the country toward U.S. energy dominance by reducing regulatory burdens, enhancing private sector investments across the economy, and emphasizing innovation over outdated regulations.
While the Energy Department has limited direct control over domestic oil and gas output, its influence will be significant in Trump's push to increase fossil fuel production, lower energy costs, and support the industry. Wright expressed his commitment by tweeting, "My dedication to bettering human lives remains steadfast, with a focus on making American energy more affordable, reliable, and secure. Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible."
Trump has pledged to dismantle the Biden administration's climate policies, labeling them as the “green new scam.” The Energy Department plays a crucial role in this initiative, distributing billions of dollars in loans and grants for technologies aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources and mitigating climate change, including initiatives focused on capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
These programs, while controversial, have garnered support from many within the oil industry and some Republican lawmakers whose districts have benefited economically from federal funding. However, Wright's nomination raises concerns regarding the future of these initiatives. He has publicly stated, "There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either," and argued against alarmist claims regarding extreme weather events.
Republicans have responded positively to Wright's appointment. Sen. John Barrasso praised him as "an energy innovator who laid the foundation for America’s fracking boom," and former Trump energy advisor George David Banks echoed this sentiment, admiring Wright's understanding of the role U.S. liquefied natural gas plays in global emissions reduction.
Reaction from the fossil fuel industry was favorable, with Tom Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, referring to Wright as "a solid choice for Energy Secretary." In contrast, environmental advocates quickly criticized the nomination, with Tiernan Sittenfeld from the League of Conservation Voters expressing dismay over the appointment of a Big Oil CEO.
Despite being relatively unknown in Washington, Wright has supporters in high places. Reports suggest that Harold Hamm, an influential figure in oil, was instrumental in his nomination. Wright's skepticism regarding climate change suggests a potential contraction of the Energy Department's efforts in developing new energy technologies and climate initiatives. Sources familiar with the transition indicated that Wright's appointment could lead to a severe cutback of programs established under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Biden administration has significantly altered the Department of Energy's landscape by hiring numerous new staff and creating a distinct focus on clean energy, fueled by the climate law that allocated substantial funding for energy efficiency upgrades and the advancement of green technologies.
Wright has publicly criticized terms like "clean energy" and "energy transition," asserting that renewable sources such as solar and wind are not entirely devoid of environmental impact. He condemned "large government subsidies and mandates," which he claims benefit the wealthy while disadvantaging the less fortunate.
Wright, a substantial financial contributor to Trump's campaign and other Republican entities, has also been active in legal challenges against climate-related regulations, arguing against the Securities and Exchange Commission's climate disclosure rule.
Acknowledged as intelligent by some industry peers, Wright’s views directly contradict established scientific consensus regarding human-driven climate change. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities have "unequivocally" led to significant temperature increases since the 19th century, with fossil fuel combustion significantly raising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
The panel emphasizes that human-induced climate change has triggered various detrimental effects, including heightened extreme weather events, food insecurity, and economic disruptions across multiple sectors.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
If his confirmation by the Senate is successful, Wright is expected to vocally oppose measures designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions linked to fossil fuel combustion, emissions that contribute to rising global temperatures and increased severe weather events. His mandate will include fulfilling Trump's campaign pledge to revoke billions in funding that supports the Biden administration's climate and energy initiatives and reactivating the issuance of natural gas export permits, which President Biden had suspended earlier this year.
Wright serves as the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based fracking company, and is aligned with Republican fundraising efforts. His nomination garnered support from Harold Hamm, an oil executive who has consulted Trump on energy matters. Should he assume leadership at the Energy Department, Wright would oversee a division responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear arsenal, managing national laboratories, and administering funds from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Trump said, "As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new ‘Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.’" In addition, Wright will collaborate with Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum on the new National Energy Council, which Trump noted will guide the country toward U.S. energy dominance by reducing regulatory burdens, enhancing private sector investments across the economy, and emphasizing innovation over outdated regulations.
While the Energy Department has limited direct control over domestic oil and gas output, its influence will be significant in Trump's push to increase fossil fuel production, lower energy costs, and support the industry. Wright expressed his commitment by tweeting, "My dedication to bettering human lives remains steadfast, with a focus on making American energy more affordable, reliable, and secure. Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible."
Trump has pledged to dismantle the Biden administration's climate policies, labeling them as the “green new scam.” The Energy Department plays a crucial role in this initiative, distributing billions of dollars in loans and grants for technologies aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources and mitigating climate change, including initiatives focused on capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
These programs, while controversial, have garnered support from many within the oil industry and some Republican lawmakers whose districts have benefited economically from federal funding. However, Wright's nomination raises concerns regarding the future of these initiatives. He has publicly stated, "There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either," and argued against alarmist claims regarding extreme weather events.
Republicans have responded positively to Wright's appointment. Sen. John Barrasso praised him as "an energy innovator who laid the foundation for America’s fracking boom," and former Trump energy advisor George David Banks echoed this sentiment, admiring Wright's understanding of the role U.S. liquefied natural gas plays in global emissions reduction.
Reaction from the fossil fuel industry was favorable, with Tom Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, referring to Wright as "a solid choice for Energy Secretary." In contrast, environmental advocates quickly criticized the nomination, with Tiernan Sittenfeld from the League of Conservation Voters expressing dismay over the appointment of a Big Oil CEO.
Despite being relatively unknown in Washington, Wright has supporters in high places. Reports suggest that Harold Hamm, an influential figure in oil, was instrumental in his nomination. Wright's skepticism regarding climate change suggests a potential contraction of the Energy Department's efforts in developing new energy technologies and climate initiatives. Sources familiar with the transition indicated that Wright's appointment could lead to a severe cutback of programs established under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Biden administration has significantly altered the Department of Energy's landscape by hiring numerous new staff and creating a distinct focus on clean energy, fueled by the climate law that allocated substantial funding for energy efficiency upgrades and the advancement of green technologies.
Wright has publicly criticized terms like "clean energy" and "energy transition," asserting that renewable sources such as solar and wind are not entirely devoid of environmental impact. He condemned "large government subsidies and mandates," which he claims benefit the wealthy while disadvantaging the less fortunate.
Wright, a substantial financial contributor to Trump's campaign and other Republican entities, has also been active in legal challenges against climate-related regulations, arguing against the Securities and Exchange Commission's climate disclosure rule.
Acknowledged as intelligent by some industry peers, Wright’s views directly contradict established scientific consensus regarding human-driven climate change. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities have "unequivocally" led to significant temperature increases since the 19th century, with fossil fuel combustion significantly raising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
The panel emphasizes that human-induced climate change has triggered various detrimental effects, including heightened extreme weather events, food insecurity, and economic disruptions across multiple sectors.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
