Trump Nominates Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy

On November 16, former President Donald Trump announced that he would appoint Christopher Allen Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, as his Secretary of Energy for a potential second presidency. Wright is a prominent businessman, leading North America’s second-largest hydraulic fracturing company, Liberty Energy. In addition to his role at Liberty Energy, Wright is a board member of Oklo Inc., a nuclear technology firm, and EMX Royalty, which specializes in royalty payments for mineral and mining rights.

Wright is known for his controversial stance on climate change, arguing that the negative impacts of climate change are outweighed by the benefits of fossil fuel energy. This position aligns with his advocacy for expanding the use of fossil fuels and has sparked debate on environmental policies.

As Secretary of Energy, Wright would lead the U.S. Department of Energy, a Cabinet-level agency created in 1977. The department’s responsibilities have evolved from energy production and regulation to focusing on energy innovation, technology, and environmental issues. Notably, the role has seen a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds, such as James Schlesinger, the first Secretary of Energy, who was nominated by President Jimmy Carter despite being a Republican. Other notable appointees have included Hazel O’Leary, the first female and African American to hold the position, and Steven Chu, the first Asian American, who also served as the longest-serving Secretary of Energy.

If confirmed, Wright would join this distinguished group in overseeing the nation’s energy policy, which would likely involve balancing fossil fuel development with newer, cleaner energy technologies.

What does America think?

November 16, 2024