Trump's choice of fracking CEO to lead Department of Energy widely criticized

Senate Republicans are preparing to confirm fracking executive Chris Wright as Energy secretary, a move criticized by Democrats for promoting fossil fuels over clean energy.

Nico Portuondo reports for E&E News.

In short:

• President-elect Donald Trump nominated Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, for Energy secretary. Wright has publicly denied the existence of a climate crisis.
• Wright’s leadership at the DOE would oversee billions in clean energy and carbon capture funding from recent laws, despite Republican plans to cut these programs.
• Democrats criticized the pick as prioritizing fossil fuel interests, while Republicans praised Wright’s commitment to expanding U.S. energy production.

Key quote:

“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-Ill.)

Why this matters:

The nomination underscores a sharp divide in energy policy priorities. A focus on fossil fuel expansion could undermine efforts to address climate change and transition to renewable energy, while threatening existing funding for clean energy projects.