Wright confirmed to be Energy Secretary

 

Denver oilman Christopher Wright has been confirmed to be the next Secretary of the Energy, winning U.S. Senate confirmation Monday night on a vote of 59-38.

The CEO of Liberty Energy will take over an energy department reversing course when it comes to oil and gas development, or as President Trump has repeated, “drill baby drill.” Under Wright’s leadership, the Energy Department is expected to expand domestic energy production and also increase LNG exports that had been frozen by the Biden administration.

Oklahoma U.S. Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin supported the nomination and were joined by all Republicans in the Senate as well as seven Democrats.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources said under Wright’s leadership, the Energy Department will once again support the American worker, the American family and the American future.

For the last four years, when Americans opened their energy bills, they didn’t see ‘climate plans’ —they saw costs piling up and questions they couldn’t answer. With Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy, I am confident that we can reverse the irresponsible policies of the Biden administration and prioritize affordable and reliable energy.”

American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers applauded the confirmation.

“Secretary Chris Wright’s experience in the American energy sector gives him an important perspective that will inform his leadership of the Department of Energy. We look forward to working with him to bolster American geopolitical strength by swiftly approving new LNG export permits and ensuring the open access of American energy for our allies around the world.”