Senate confirms Chris Wright, Fossil Fuel CEO, as Trump’s Energy Secretary “`

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is sworn in during his Senate Energy and Natural Resources confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 15, 2025.

WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive, as the new energy secretary on Monday. This key role will support President Trump’s pursuit of U.S. energy dominance globally.

Wright, Liberty Energy’s CEO, has been a prominent industry voice opposing climate change mitigation efforts. He contends that increased fossil fuel production alleviates global poverty and pledges to help Trump achieve energy security and prosperity.

The Senate approved his nomination by a 59-38 vote. This included support from eight Democrats, among them both senators from his home state, Colorado.

Trump’s energy plan centers on maximizing domestic fossil fuel production—oil, natural gas, and coal—and dismantling what he terms Democrats’ “green new scam”. These fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

At his confirmation hearing, Wright expressed shared enthusiasm for Trump’s energy vision, promising to diligently implement his agenda as a proponent of affordable, reliable, and secure American energy from all sources.

This includes oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and hydropower, as well as renewable sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, according to Wright.

Trump’s energy ambitions may encounter practical limitations, including already high U.S. oil production. The government can’t mandate increased oil drilling, and production hikes could potentially lower prices and reduce industry profits.

Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican, praised Wright as an innovative leader who is forthright about energy production.

Barrasso described Wright as acknowledging climate change while advocating for increased American energy production as a solution, not an obstacle, referring to it as “energy realism.”

Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican and chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, stated that Wright understands the importance of abundant and affordable energy for families and businesses.

“Our nation deserves a champion for American energy and innovation, and we’ve got the Wright guy for the job,” Lee announced on X.

Colorado’s two Democratic senators backed their state’s nominee.

Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted Wright’s scientific background and commitment to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, emphasizing that it lowers costs and enhances national security. Despite disagreements, Hickenlooper expressed a willingness to collaborate.

“While we don’t always agree, we will work together because none of us have four years to wait to act,” Hickenlooper stated.

Senator Michael Bennet lauded Wright’s entrepreneurial success and expertise in energy innovation and technology, promising to work with him to ensure Colorado’s continued leadership in energy production and innovation.

While acknowledging climate change, Wright stated during his hearing that he doesn’t distinguish between “dirty” and “clean” energy, emphasizing the varied trade-offs among different energy sources.

Wright, 60, has led Liberty Energy since 2011 and lacks prior government experience. A Colorado native, he holds degrees from MIT and UC Berkeley in electrical engineering. He founded Pinnacle Technologies in 1992, contributing to the growth of commercial shale gas production through fracking.

He later chaired Stroud Energy before establishing Liberty Resources in 2010.

As energy secretary, Wright will collaborate with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on energy policy. Both will serve on a new National Energy Council chaired by Burgum, encompassing all executive branch agencies involved in energy. The council will focus on streamlining regulations and boosting domestic energy production, representing a significant shift from President Biden’s climate-focused policies.

Wright stated he would sever all industry ties upon confirmation.

Lena Moffitt of Evergreen Action, an environmental group, criticized Democrats for not unanimously opposing Wright’s nomination.

“Senate Republicans just handed Trump’s Big Oil allies the keys to the Department of Energy,” she stated. She expressed concern that Wright’s appointment will hinder clean energy investments, increase energy prices, and perpetuate reliance on fossil fuels.

Moffitt urged Democrats to actively counter Trump’s pro-fossil fuel policies.

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