Key information
- Trump nominated Chris Wright to head the Department of Energy.
- Mr. Wright has no prior experience in Washington politics, but he is a strong advocate for oil and gas.
- His nomination is expected to draw opposition from environmental groups.
Background and nomination
Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, a Colorado-based oil and natural gas fracking company, has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Energy. Wright, who has no prior experience in Washington politics, is a staunch advocate of oil and gas, arguing that these fuels are essential to economic growth and poverty reduction. He also argues that the threat posed by global warming is exaggerated.
Trump's praise and Wright's commitment
Mr. Trump praised Mr. Wright's experience in various energy sectors, including nuclear, solar, geothermal, oil and gas, highlighting his role in the “American shale revolution” which, according to has transformed global energy markets. Mr. Wright is committed to making American energy more affordable, more reliable and more secure. He emphasized the vital importance of energy for daily life and his eagerness to start working.
Opposition and role of the Council
Mr. Wright's nomination is expected to draw opposition from environmental groups and progressives. If confirmed, Mr. Wright will also serve on the new National Energy Council, chaired by Doug Burgum, Mr. Trump's nominee for interior secretary. The Energy Department has a broad mandate that includes maintaining nuclear weapons, supercomputer research, managing crude oil reserves and approving liquefied natural gas export projects – areas in which the Mr Wright's influence could have a significant impact on policy.
Wright's views on climate change
Trump's selection of Wright, whose company is among the world's largest providers of fracking services, demonstrates his unwavering support for this controversial extraction method. Wright has publicly dismissed concerns about climate change, arguing that hydrocarbons are essential to improving global well-being. He further claims that “humans and all complex life on earth” depend on carbon dioxide and that it is “scandalous” to label carbon pollution.
Wright's education and experience
Wright holds engineering degrees from MIT and UC Berkeley. His company website describes him as a “tech nerd turned entrepreneur and dedicated humanitarian.” Continental Resources Chairman Harold Hamm, a Trump energy adviser and donor, recommended Wright for the job. If confirmed, Mr. Wright will play a key role in implementing Mr. Trump's campaign promises to declare a national energy emergency, revive coal energy and replenish the strategic coal reserve. oil.
Wright on renewable energy
Mr Wright said he was concerned that subsidies for wind and solar power were driving up electricity prices and destabilizing grids, advocating market-driven solutions instead. Despite his skepticism about renewable energy subsidies, he recognizes the importance of alternative energy sources. He also participates in companies studying geothermal energy and sodium-ion battery technology.
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