November 16th 2024.
President-elect Donald Trump has made his choice for energy secretary in his upcoming administration, selecting Chris Wright, a campaign donor and fossil fuel executive. Wright, who currently serves as CEO of Liberty Energy in Denver, is a vocal advocate for the development of oil and gas, including the controversial practice of fracking. This aligns with Trump's goal of achieving U.S. "energy dominance" in the global market.
Wright is known for his outspoken opposition to efforts to combat climate change, and his appointment could mean a boost for the fossil fuel industry. He has even called for a quick end to the Biden administration's pause on natural gas export approvals. In his writings, Wright has criticized what he sees as a "top-down" approach to addressing climate change and believes that increasing fossil fuel production worldwide is necessary to lift people out of poverty.
His consideration for the role of energy secretary has garnered support from influential conservatives, such as oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, who is the executive chairman of Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, has been a long-time supporter and adviser to Trump on energy issues. In fact, he helped organize a fundraising event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in April, where it was reported that Trump asked industry leaders and lobbyists to donate $1 billion to his campaign in exchange for loosening environmental regulations if he was reelected.
Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, the top lobbying group for the oil and gas industry, has expressed his confidence in Wright's ability to lead the Energy Department. He believes that Wright's experience in the energy sector will inform his decisions and that he will work to promote American energy for our allies around the world. However, not everyone shares this sentiment.
Jackie Wong, senior vice president for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group, has called Wright "a champion of dirty fossil fuels" and believes that his nomination is a "disastrous mistake." Wong argues that the Energy Department should be focused on developing and expanding clean energy sources, rather than promoting outdated fuels that contribute to climate change and its devastating impacts.
The Energy Department plays a crucial role in advancing energy, environmental, and nuclear security in the United States. This includes maintaining the country's nuclear weapons, overseeing national research laboratories, approving natural gas exports, and ensuring environmental cleanup of the nation's nuclear weapons complex. It also supports scientific and technological research.
Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, who is expected to become chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, believes that Wright's nomination fulfills Trump's promise of bold choices for his Cabinet. Barrasso sees Wright as an energy innovator who has played a significant role in America's fracking boom. After four years of what he sees as an "America last" energy policy, Barrasso believes that the country needs a secretary who understands the importance of American energy for the economy and national security.
If confirmed, Wright will join North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Trump's pick for interior secretary, as a key player in energy policy within the administration. Wright will also serve as a member of the newly formed National Energy Council, which will be chaired by Burgum. This council aims to establish U.S. energy dominance around the world, according to Trump.
Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, a conservative group that supports fossil fuels, believes that Wright is an excellent choice for energy secretary. Pyle, who led Trump's Energy Department transition team in 2016, praises Wright's experience in the energy industry and his focus on technology. Wright, who grew up in Colorado and holds degrees from MIT and the University of California-Berkeley, founded Pinnacle Technologies in 1992, which was instrumental in the commercialization of shale gas production through fracking. He also served as chairman of Stroud Energy before founding Liberty Resources in 2010.
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