Trump Names Chris Wright as Energy Secretary in Push for Fossil Fuel Expansion

President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Chris Wright, a notable figure in the oil and gas industry, as his nominee for Secretary of the US Energy Department. Wright’s leadership is expected to align with Trump’s long-standing pledge to amplify fossil fuel production, encapsulated in the campaign slogan “Drill, baby, drill.”

Chris Wright is the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, a prominent company specializing in hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” which supports the extraction of oil and natural gas from shale fields. Wright’s industry expertise dates back to the early days of the American Shale Revolution, a movement credited with driving the nation’s energy independence and reshaping global energy markets.

In a statement, Trump praised Wright’s contributions: “Chris was one of the pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution that fueled American Energy Independence and transformed the Global Energy Markets and Geopolitics. 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.”

Wright’s views on energy and climate have sparked discussions, as he has been vocal in expressing skepticism about climate change. He has stated that his primary focus is ensuring energy is “secure, reliable, affordable, and betters human lives,” regardless of its source. In a 2023 video on his LinkedIn profile, Wright emphasized, “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either.”

The Trump campaign also unveiled plans to establish a new Council of National Energy, with Wright set to play a significant role. This council will aim to chart the path toward US energy dominance by eliminating regulatory barriers and boosting private sector investments across all sectors of the economy.