Environmental groups present differing opinions of Trump’s energy and environment appointees
Energy and climate-focused groups have expressed mixed feelings about the recent appointments made by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the charge on environmental issues over the next four years. With fracking CEO Chris Wright set to head the Department of Energy and former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin nominated to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concerns have been raised about the direction these new appointees will take on critical environmental policies.
Trump’s focus on achieving U.S. energy independence and rolling back emissions standards set by the Biden administration has left many environmental groups feeling uneasy about the future. In an interview with Fox News Digital, leaders of environmental organizations expressed skepticism about whether these new appointees would prioritize environmental protection and address the urgent concerns surrounding climate change.
Despite his background in the energy sector, Zeldin has garnered some support from environmental groups for his past efforts on environmental issues, such as cleaning up Long Island Sound. Save the Sound commended Zeldin for his work in championing the health of the Long Island Sound region, while the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) highlighted their collaboration with Zeldin on various environmental initiatives.
However, not all environmental groups are convinced of Zeldin’s qualifications for leading the EPA. The Union of Concerned Scientists raised concerns about Zeldin’s lack of relevant experience for the role and his potential prioritization of corporate interests over environmental protection. Earthjustice also expressed doubts about Zeldin’s ability to uphold critical environmental regulations put in place by the Biden administration.
On the other hand, the nomination of Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, to head the Department of Energy has sparked significant backlash from environmental groups. Critics have pointed to Wright’s ties to the fossil fuel industry and his dismissive views on climate change as major red flags. The Sierra Club condemned Wright’s nomination, labeling him as “utterly unqualified” for the job and a direct threat to the planet’s future.
Wright’s stance on climate change and his skepticism about the urgency of addressing it have raised serious concerns among environmental advocates. His opposition to the Biden administration’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is likely to pose a significant challenge to efforts to combat climate change and transition to clean, renewable energy sources.
As the new appointees gear up to take on key roles in shaping environmental policies, it remains to be seen how they will prioritize environmental protection, address climate change, and uphold critical regulations aimed at safeguarding the planet. Environmental groups will be closely monitoring their actions and advocating for policies that prioritize the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
