Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, as his choice to lead the Department of Energy. Wright, an outspoken advocate for fossil fuels and critic of climate change policies, is expected to champion increased oil and gas production while sidelining renewable energy initiatives emphasized by the current administration.
Wright, who founded Liberty Energy in Denver, Colorado, has built a reputation as a staunch defender of traditional energy sources. He denies the existence of a climate crisis, stating, “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition, either,” in a video shared on his LinkedIn profile last year.
Despite lacking political experience, Wright has made a name for himself with bold public gestures, such as drinking fracking fluid on camera in 2019 to emphasize its safety. He has argued extensively that fossil fuels are critical to global economic growth and poverty alleviation.
If confirmed by the Senate, Wright will replace Jennifer Granholm, a supporter of renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, and electric vehicles. Wright is expected to focus on expanding domestic oil and gas output and bolstering the nation’s energy infrastructure amid rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency mining.
In his new role, Wright will oversee the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, nuclear energy programs, and U.S. energy diplomacy. He will also handle complex challenges such as permitting for electricity transmission and supporting bipartisan efforts to expand nuclear power, an energy source with both promise and significant regulatory hurdles.
While U.S. oil production is already at record highs, Wright’s leadership is expected to align closely with Trump’s agenda of maximizing fossil fuel development. The Department of Energy will also play a key role in managing grants and loans for energy technology advancements under Wright’s watch.
Wright’s nomination underscores Trump’s commitment to a traditional energy strategy while rejecting global climate initiatives. With electricity demand surging for the first time in decades, his appointment could shape the nation’s energy landscape for years to come.
