President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to nominate oil industry executive Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy in his second term. Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, has donated to Trump’s campaign and expressed skepticism on climate change science. If confirmed, he will oversee energy supplies, nuclear power development, national laboratories, and nuclear cleanup efforts. Wright will also be part of a newly-formed Council of National Energy led by Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum.
Trump’s administration has focused on rolling back climate change policies and clean energy spending. Wright has echoed Trump’s views on climate change, stating that there is no climate crisis and denying the need for an energy transition. Environmental groups have criticized Wright’s nomination, calling him a climate-denying Big Oil executive.
Sen. John Barrasso praised Wright’s nomination, highlighting his experience in the energy sector and support for American energy policies. The American Petroleum Institute also expressed support for Wright’s nomination. Trump’s Cabinet is taking shape, with nominations for various positions including former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Kristi Noem, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being announced.
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