Key facts
- The Senate confirmed Wright with bipartisan support, as eight Democrats, including both Colorado senators, joined Republicans in backing him.
- Wright has championed fossil fuel expansion, opposing climate policies he calls part of a “green new scam.” He pledged to promote all energy sources, including oil, gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables.
- He will serve on the newly created National Energy Council, which aims to cut regulations and increase domestic energy production.
Who is Chris Wright?
Wright, 60, is an energy executive with extensive experience in the fossil fuel industry but no prior government service. He has led Liberty Energy since 2011 and previously founded Pinnacle Technologies, which helped develop commercial shale gas production through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Wright also served as chairman of Stroud Energy and founded Liberty Resources in 2010.
A Colorado native, Wright holds an undergraduate degree from MIT and pursued graduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and MIT.
What is the National Energy Council?
The newly formed council, chaired by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, will coordinate energy policy across executive branch agencies. Its mission is to streamline energy permitting and boost domestic production, marking a shift from the Biden administration’s climate-focused policies.
What is Wright’s Position on Climate and Energy?
Wright has opposed climate regulations and questioned the framing of energy sources as “clean” or “dirty,” arguing that all energy types have trade-offs. He insists that increasing fossil fuel production can reduce global poverty while ensuring reliable energy access.
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso called Wright an innovator who “tells the truth about energy production.” Utah Sen. Mike Lee praised him as a leader who understands the need for affordable and abundant energy. However, environmental groups have criticized his appointment. Lena Moffitt, executive director of Evergreen Action, accused the Senate of handing over the Department of Energy to “Big Oil allies” and warned that Wright could hinder clean energy investments. Despite opposition, Wright has pledged to sever industry ties and implement Trump’s energy agenda “as an unabashed steward for affordable, reliable, and secure American energy.”
