Trump Energy secretary pick opening statement vows American ‘energy dominance”

Chris Wright, President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Energy, is gearing up to address senators overseeing his confirmation with a focus on revitalizing American “energy dominance” both domestically and internationally. As a fossil fuel executive with a history of challenging media narratives attributing climate change to wildfires, Wright is slated to present his opening statement before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday morning.

In his prepared remarks obtained by Fox News Digital, Wright expresses his humility in assuming the substantial responsibilities associated with the role. He emphasizes the unique opportunity for America to safeguard its energy infrastructure, spearhead advancements in scientific and technological innovation, oversee nuclear weapons stockpiles, and fulfill Cold War legacy waste commitments.

A self-described “science geek, turned tech nerd, turned lifelong energy entrepreneur,” Wright traces his passion for energy back to his formative years in Denver, Colorado. He recounts his academic pursuits at MIT, where he delved into fusion energy, and later at the University of California at Berkeley, where he focused on solar energy and power electronics.

“Energy serves as the catalyst for progress, enabling societal advancement and prosperity,” Wright is expected to assert. “A society with ample energy resources thrives, while a society lacking in energy resources languishes. The mission of Liberty Energy, the company I founded, revolves around enhancing human lives through energy, spanning oil, natural gas, next-generation geothermal, and emerging technologies in nuclear energy and battery storage.”

Wright plans to stress his unwavering dedication to energy issues and his alignment with President Trump’s vision for energy policy. He vows to champion diverse sources of affordable, reliable, and secure American energy if confirmed.

Despite calls from committee Democrats for a delay in his confirmation hearing due to outstanding financial disclosures and ethics paperwork, Wright’s hearing remains on schedule for Wednesday. If appointed as secretary, Wright would oversee energy policy and production in the U.S. and manage the nation’s nuclear arsenal. He would collaborate with Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum on Trump’s energy dominance strategy, which entails bolstering U.S. oil and gas production.

Wright has signaled his intent to step down from his leadership roles at Liberty Energy upon confirmation. In his opening statement, he outlines three key priorities: enhancing American energy production to restore energy dominance, fostering innovation and technological breakthroughs, and streamlining regulatory processes to facilitate energy infrastructure development.

In conclusion, Wright emphasizes the imperative of prioritizing energy security and competitiveness on the global stage. He commits to working with Congress to advance the Department’s missions and drive progress in energy affordability and reliability for American households and businesses.

Danielle Wallace, a reporter covering breaking news and politics for Fox News Digital, contributed to this article. For story tips, contact danielle.wallace@fox.com and connect on X: @danimwallace.