Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy

On February 3, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Chris Wright as the 17th Secretary of Energy with a bipartisan vote of 59–38. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, has been a prominent figure in the hydraulic fracturing industry, contributing significantly to the U.S. oil and natural gas boom. His appointment aligns with President Donald Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda, emphasizing the expansion of domestic energy production.

Wright’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has also been involved with Oklo Inc., a nuclear technology company, and EMX Royalty, focusing on mineral rights and mining. Throughout his career, Wright has advocated for the development of affordable and reliable energy sources, acknowledging the reality of climate change while emphasizing the role of fossil fuels in alleviating global energy poverty.

As Secretary of Energy, Wright has pledged to “unleash” U.S. energy resources by reducing regulatory barriers and promoting innovation across all energy sectors, including nuclear, oil, natural gas, wind, and solar. He aims to enhance energy security and address energy poverty by expanding the nation’s energy infrastructure and production capabilities. Critics, however, express concern that his strong ties to the fossil fuel industry may hinder progress in clean energy initiatives and exacerbate environmental challenges.