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Trump surprises oil industry with cabinet picks

President-elect Donald Trump's unexpected nominations for key energy-related cabinet roles have left industry executives and lawmakers scrambling to interpret his strategy.

Ben Lefebvre and Josh Siegel report for POLITICO.

In short:

  • Trump’s nomination of figures like former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Rep. Lee Zeldin for EPA administrator has baffled the oil and gas industry, which expected more traditional choices.
  • North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, known for supporting carbon capture and oil production, was tapped to lead the Interior Department, a move seen as more conventional.
  • Discussions continue over creating a White House energy czar to coordinate energy policy across federal agencies.

Key quote:

“The only thing resembling a crisis with respect to climate change is the regressive, opportunity-squelching policies justified in the name of climate change.”

— Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy and Trump nominee for Secretary of Energy

Why this matters:

Trump’s cabinet picks and energy policies will influence fossil fuel production and climate change mitigation efforts. Industry insiders are questioning how these appointments align with Trump’s promises to expand energy production and slash costs while minimizing government regulation.

Related: Republicans gear up for potential energy roles in a Trump comeback

www.politico.com
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