Chris Wright promotes fossil fuels during energy secretary confirmation hearing
- Chris Wright emphasized the importance of boosting American energy production across all sources, including fossil fuels.
- He faced interruptions from environmental protesters during his confirmation hearing.
- Wright's nomination indicates a significant potential shift in U.S. energy policy under the Trump administration.
On January 15, 2021, Chris Wright, the nominee for U.S. Energy Secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, engaged with lawmakers during his confirmation hearings. Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, emphasized a vision for boosting American energy production across various sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables. During the hearings, he acknowledged the existence of climate change and the impact of fossil fuel combustion while advocating for policies that would 'unleash' America’s energy sector. His past comments on climate change and the perceived hysteria surrounding wildfires prompted protests from environmental activists. Wright's confirmation is seen as a potential shift in U.S. energy policy, especially given his contentious views on climate change and support for the fossil fuel industry. Following the hearings, senators expressed mixed views about Wright, with some acknowledging his expertise in geothermal energy while critiquing his fossil fuel advocacy.