Senate Approves Chris Wright as New Leader of the Department of Energy
Chris Wright, a fracking contractor from Denver, is a scientist and engineer advocating for both fossil fuels and renewable energy advancements.
The Senate has officially confirmed Chris Wright, a Colorado fracking services contractor, to oversee the Department of Energy (DOE) in managing the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile, national labs focused on energy development, and executing President Donald Trump’s energy strategies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) highlighted Wright’s unique qualifications during a speech in a nearly empty chamber, suggesting he is the right person to lead the DOE amid significant technological advancements and an energy diversification approach.
“One of America’s greatest resources is our capacity to innovate, the knowledge and capability to broaden possibilities,” he stated. “This is central to the mission of the energy department, and it’s what Chris Wright has dedicated his life to. He describes himself as a ‘science geek turned energy nerd turned lifelong energy entrepreneur.’”
“Wright will stand out among energy secretaries for his extensive background,” Thune remarked. “He has expertise in nuclear energy, solar, geothermal, wind power, oil, and natural gas. His work has driven innovations that have transformed the energy sector, highlighting the role of energy in elevating lives, reducing poverty, and reshaping societies.”
“Chris Wright is genuinely passionate about energy,” Thune continued. “He recognizes its importance as one of our key assets and is prepared to take action.”
Republican Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also advocated for Wright’s confirmation.
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Lee highlighted the significance of the DOE, stating, “It is a powerhouse that can either bolster or undermine our economy, national security, and global leadership.” He criticized the Biden administration’s energy policies for raising costs, costing jobs, and compromising national security.
“Chris Wright realizes that having affordable, plentiful energy is vital for our national security,” Lee added. “It ensures families can heat their homes in winter affordably, allows businesses to thrive, hire, and compete internationally, and maintains America’s independence from foreign energy suppliers.”
He pledged to reduce permitting timelines, promote natural gas exports, and speed up electric grid expansion. Nonetheless, he also conveyed a measured appreciation for renewable energy, endorsing an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy.
Wright has investments in Fervo Energy, a “green energy” firm in Texas utilizing fracking techniques for geothermal resources, and serves on the boards of Oklo Inc., a nuclear technology company, and EMX Royalty, dealing with mineral rights and royalties.
At his nomination hearing, Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), a former governor of Colorado, introduced Wright, acknowledging their differences but stating that Wright is well-suited to lead the DOE.
“While we certainly have differing views, he is a remarkable advocate for fossil fuels in nearly all respects, yet he has a background in nuclear, initial work in solar, and experience in wind and geothermal,” the senator detailed. “He is a scientist open to dialogue and a successful entrepreneur, capable of assessing what is feasible.”
Wright emphasized the significance of the energy sector to the U.S.
“I stand before you today because President-elect Trump and I share a deep passion for energy, recognizing it as not just an industry, but the core of our economy that empowers all others,” Wright articulated.
He outlined a commitment to an energy policy that preserves “the quality of life for Americans, fortifies economic strength, enhances geopolitical power, and expands prospects for the future for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.”
When questioned, Wright indicated his opposition to several aspects of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and 2022’s CHIPS & Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which comprise Biden’s prominent “green energy” initiatives. He expressed support for revising certain “auto pilot” funding mechanisms, particularly from the IRA.
When asked by Democrats if he would “protect clean energy provisions in the IRA” and prevent any “impoundment” of DOE funding, Wright responded that he would “adhere to the statutes and laws of the United States.”
When questioned by Republicans about whether he would act on a December Inspector General report that raised concerns about the loan allocation by the DOE’s Loan Program Office, he asserted that he would “immediately” halt $25 billion in “unfinalized” authorized allocations.
Wright’s nomination progressed to a full Senate confirmation on Feb. 4 after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee endorsed his candidacy with a 15-5 vote on Jan. 23.
