Trump energy secretary pick Chris Wright receives GOP and oil industry praise

Over the weekend, Trump picked Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, an oilfield service firm and fracking company, to lead the DOE. Wright has been a supporter of oil and is expected to play a leading role in ensuring the Trump administration meets its goal of increasing oil production. 

American Petroleum Institute head Mike Sommers said: “Chris Wright’s experience in the American energy sector gives him an important perspective that will inform his leadership of the Department of Energy.”

“We look forward to working with him once confirmed to bolster American geopolitical strength by lifting DOE’s pause on LNG export permits and ensuring the open access of American energy for our allies around the world,” Sommers added. 

Wright has challenged the premise that the United States and the rest of the world are in the middle of a transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar power. The Biden administration sought to accelerate the switch via rulemakings, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and other measures. In a video on his LinkedIn profile last year, Wright said that “there is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition, either.” 

He added: “Humans, and all complex life on earth, is simply impossible without carbon dioxide — hence the term carbon pollution is outrageous.” 

Environmental Defense Fund Executive Director Amanda Leland said in a statement: “Any nominee, including Chris Wright, who ignores the stakes in this global clean energy race — or fails to recognize the urgent challenge of climate change — should concern all of us.” 

“If the Trump administration blocks investments in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, it will jeopardize the health of communities across our country, destroy job opportunities, and make our nation less competitive,” Leland said.

Wright, in his LinkedIn profile, said that he “all in on energy,” such as nuclear, solar, and geothermal. He serves on the board of Oklo Inc., a small modular reactor developer. However, he has criticized efforts to boost wind and solar energy, stating it would not reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“We should do credible things, mostly driven by market forces. But shoveling subsidies at wind and solar, which are 3% of global energy, that’s not meaningfully going to change greenhouse gas emissions. But it is going to drive electricity prices up,” Wright said in a 2022 interview with Bloomberg Television.

Wright will also serve in the new National Energy Council alongside with Trump’s pick to lead the Department of the Interior, Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), who will head the council.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) praised the selection. “President Trump promised bold choices. Chris Wright delivers,” the senator said. “He’s an energy innovator who laid the foundation for America’s fracking boom.” 

“After four years of America’s last energy policy, our country is desperate for a Secretary who understands how important American energy is to our economy and our national security. Mr. Wright will help ensure America remains committed to an all-of-the-above energy policy that puts American families first,” Barrasso added. 

However, Democratic lawmakers condemned Trump’s pick, saying that the incoming administration is putting fossil fuel companies ahead of climate efforts. 

“Chris Wright is a science-denying, self-serving, sanctimonious fracker who consistently puts the wants of energy producers over the needs of American energy consumers,” Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) told E&E News. 

“To put him in charge of the Department of Energy is to fulfill the dreams of every fossil fuel company who hopes to boost their profits by raising energy costs for Americans,” he added. 

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) said on X that “Trump asked for a billion dollars and Big Oil CEO Harold Hamm asked for Chris Wright. As we fight for our clean energy future, they’re putting a fossil in charge.”