Oil industry executive Chris Wright was chosen by President-elect Trump to head the U.S. Energy Department, succeeding Jennifer Granholm who carried out the Biden administration’s war on the oil and gas industry.
Critics were quick to point out that Wright runs a firm known for fracking but his nomination is likely to bring not only a sight of relief to oil and gas people but a round of hearty applause as well. Wright is head of Liberty Energy, a company headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
“As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new ‘Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace,'” Trump said in a statement.
The president-elect also said Wright will be part of his new Council of National Energy he’s creating in his second term in office. Wright will likely work hand-in-hand with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum who was named Interior Secretary and chairman of the new council.
Wright’s nomination drew immediate support from the Houston-based Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Tim Tarpley.
“Chris Wright is a visionary leader who has consistently advocated for advancing American energy,” said Tarpley. “His groundbreaking Bettering Human Lives report brought to light the moral case for expanding American energy production to grow our economy and improve living standards of those across the country. As a dedicated member of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Chris has an unparalleled understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector. There is no doubt that his expertise and leadership will make him an outstanding Secretary of Energy. EWTC looks forward to partnering with him to unleashing the full potential of American energy.”
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