Trump taps Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright for Department of Energy
President-elect Donald Trump has made a significant announcement regarding the Department of Energy in his new administration. Chris Wright, the CEO and founder of Liberty Energy, will be leading the department as the United States Secretary of Energy, as well as becoming a Member of the newly formed Council of National Energy.
In a statement released on Saturday, Trump expressed his excitement about Wright joining his administration, highlighting his extensive experience in the energy sector. Wright has worked in various areas including Nuclear, Solar, Geothermal, and Oil and Gas. Trump specifically praised Wright for his role in launching the American Shale Revolution, which played a crucial part in achieving American Energy Independence and reshaping the global energy markets and geopolitics.
Wright, a graduate of MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering, has also pursued graduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and MIT. Described as a “tech nerd turned entrepreneur” on Liberty Energy’s website, Wright is dedicated to expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy to improve human lives.
The decision to appoint Wright comes as Trump has made independent energy and boosting oil and gas production a key focus of his administration. During his campaign, Trump promised to support fracking, lift restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports, and prioritize U.S. oil and gas production. This approach stands in stark contrast to the policies of the previous administration.
In addition to appointing Wright, Trump has also pledged to re-enter the Paris climate accord, revise emissions standards, and increase domestic oil and gas production. He has vowed to use his second term to prioritize American interests and undo regulations that he believes have harmed the energy sector.
The announcement of Wright’s appointment is part of a larger effort to quickly fill key positions in Trump’s administration. The transition team has emphasized the president’s commitment to putting “America first” and appointing highly qualified individuals to drive his agenda forward.
In his first term, Trump selected former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the Secretary of Energy, with Dan Brouillette later taking over the position. However, the announcement of Perry’s nomination did not come until mid-December 2016, highlighting the faster pace at which Trump is moving to finalize his second-term Cabinet picks.
As Trump continues to shape his administration, he is reportedly planning to appoint an “energy czar” to roll back energy and climate regulations. Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin has also been named as his choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, further signaling Trump’s commitment to prioritizing energy and environmental policies in his second term.
Overall, Trump’s selection of Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy underscores his administration’s focus on bolstering the energy sector and ensuring American energy independence. Wright’s background and expertise make him a valuable addition to the administration as it works towards achieving these goals.
