Trump's pick for energy secretary is a fracking exec who downplays climate crisis
President-elect Trump has chosen Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as his energy secretary — a fossil fuel advocate who challenges climate science and has no government experience.
Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Wright, a vocal supporter of oil and gas, has long rejected mainstream climate science, aligning closely with Trump's pro-fossil fuel stance.
- He plans to lift restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports, opposing the Biden administration's focus on clean energy.
- Wright’s background in fracking and ties to major Trump energy donors, like billionaire Harold Hamm, underscore his alignment with Trump's fossil fuel priorities.
Key quote:
“There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either.”
— Chris Wright, Liberty Energy CEO
Why this matters:
Wright's background is steeped in the fossil fuel industry, particularly as a CEO in natural gas — he’s as close to a cheerleader for oil and gas as you can get. And while gas burns cleaner than coal, the drilling and export process means climate-warming methane leaks, pipeline risks, health concerns and more climate disruption.
Related EHN coverage: LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn
