Chris Wright is now in charge of U.S. energy policy after a Senate vote of 59-38. He’s moving from running Liberty Energy, where he focused on fracking, to managing the Energy Department’s $50 billion budget.
Eight Democrats backed his appointment alongside Republicans. This support came despite Wright’s clear stance against climate change action. “There is no climate crisis,” he said in a 2023 video, words that sparked significant discussion in his confirmation hearing.
Wright made headlines in 2019 when he drank fracking fluid on camera. He wanted to show it was safe, though environmental concerns about fracking operations continue.
His new job goes far beyond oil and gas. Wright now oversees America’s nuclear weapons, 17 research labs, and energy trade deals. He’ll also manage the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – the nation’s emergency oil supply that Trump wants to fill up again.
On his first day, Wright shared nine main goals. He plans to sell more natural gas to other countries, build more nuclear power plants, and review energy efficiency standards for consumer appliances. He’s particularly interested in using drilling technology to get heat from underground, called geothermal energy.
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This marks a big change from Jennifer Granholm, the previous energy chief. She pushed for electric cars and clean energy. Wright instead promises “American energy dominance” through increased oil, gas, and coal production.
California Senator Alex Padilla challenged Wright about wildfires during the confirmation process. When asked if climate change makes fires worse, Wright disagreed with scientific evidence showing the connection.
“When American energy is unleashed, human lives are bettered,” Wright said after taking the oath. This reflects his belief that more energy production helps the economy, though environmental groups worry about pollution and climate impacts.
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso calls Wright an “innovator who tells the truth.” Critics say his policies might set back efforts to reduce pollution and switch to cleaner energy sources.
Wright steps into this role as America produces record amounts of oil. Yet he can’t force companies to drill more, and production levels could affect market prices. These market forces will test his plans for expanding fossil fuel use while also supporting some renewable energy projects.
The Energy Department’s decisions affect national energy policy and international energy deals. Under Wright’s leadership, these choices will shape both America’s energy supply and its environmental future.
