Trump appoints Chris Wright, an oil-company-backed climate skeptic, to Energy

by time news

2024-11-17 01:46:00

Donald Trump continues to fine-tune his team​ ahead of his ​inauguration on January 20. And his ⁢latest choice fell on a climate ‌skeptic supported by American oil companies. The president-elect has nominated Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty‍ Energy, to‌ serve as Secretary of Energy.

“As Secretary of​ Energy, Chris will be a‌ key leader, driving⁢ innovation, reducing administrative ⁣barriers, and ushering in a⁤ new⁣ ‘golden age of American prosperity and world peace,’” Donald Trump said.

According to Wright⁤ “there is no climate crisis”

Chris Wright will also serve as a member of the brand-new ‍National Energy Council (NEC), whose creation was announced by the president-elect⁢ on Friday, and whose mission will be to “oversee the United States’ path to energy dominance.” His⁤ candidacy was supported by companies ‌in the oil sector, ⁤underlines the Financial times.

The next holder of the Energy portfolio therefore heads the company Liberty Energy, which he founded in 2011, specializing in hydraulic fracturing, a polluting method for extracting hydrocarbons. In a post on his LinkedIn ⁣account a year ago, he said that “there is no climate crisis and ‍we ⁤are not even in the middle of an energy transition.” ‌“The term carbon pollution is scandalous” because all⁢ life depends on carbon dioxide, he added, ‍also refuting the terms “clean energy or dirty energy, all energy sources have both positive and negative impacts on the world.

“One of the pioneers” of shale

Donald Trump,‌ in the press release announcing⁣ this nomination, praised “a leading energy entrepreneur” who “has⁣ worked in the nuclear, solar, geothermal, and oil and gas industries.” “Most importantly, Chris was one⁣ of the pioneers who helped launch America’s shale revolution, which fueled American ‍energy independence and transformed global energy markets and geopolitics,” he said again.

A graduate of the ‍prestigious MIT and UC Berkeley, ⁤Chris Wright ‌founded the company Pinnacle Technologies in 1992, “whose innovations helped launch the commercial production of shale⁢ gas and created an industry for‍ hydraulic fracture mapping,” the site says Liberty Energy website. He later served as president of Stroud Energy, “an early producer of​ shale gas, before selling it to shale pioneer Range Resources ⁤in 2006.”

What are the potential impacts of Chris Wright’s nomination on renewable energy initiatives in the‌ U.S.?

Interview Between Time.news Editor and Energy Policy Expert

Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to‍ Time.news, where we dive deep into⁢ the latest in ⁢politics and policy. ⁤Today, we’re discussing the recent nomination⁢ of‌ Chris Wright, a climate skeptic and CEO of Liberty ‍Energy, to serve as the Secretary‍ of Energy under‍ President-elect Donald Trump. We’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, an energy policy expert⁢ and professor at the Institute ‌for⁣ Sustainable Energy. ⁢Dr. Carter, thank you⁢ for⁤ being here.

Dr. Emily‌ Carter (DEC): ​ Thank you for having me! ⁤It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.

TNE: Let’s dive ⁤right in. Chris Wright has been a ‌controversial figure, mainly for his views on climate change. He has stated, “there is ⁢no climate crisis.” Given his perspective, how do you foresee this influencing energy policy in the coming⁤ administration?

DEC: That’s a great question. Wright’s skepticism regarding climate change will likely steer policy towards fossil​ fuel reliance​ rather ⁣than renewable energy sources. ⁢His⁣ alignment with oil companies indicates a potential rollback of efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This ⁣choice might prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.

TNE: President-elect ‌Trump has‌ mentioned a goal of achieving‌ a “new golden ⁣age of American prosperity and​ world peace.” How might Wright’s leadership at the Department of Energy align with this vision?

DEC: While the rhetoric of prosperity and peace sounds appealing,⁤ it can ​be misleading. Wright’s focus on “innovation” may refer ‌to extracting more fossil fuels using new technology rather ⁣than investing in clean energy alternatives. If the emphasis remains on traditional energy sources, the result could⁢ be economic prosperity for specific sectors,​ especially oil and gas, while neglecting broader environmental ⁣and global health concerns.

TNE: You mentioned⁣ broader environmental concerns. ​Given the urgency of climate change, do you think this ‌nomination sends a message to the international community?

DEC: Absolutely. The global community is increasingly aware ⁤of the need for cooperation⁣ in addressing climate issues. By appointing someone who dismisses the climate‌ crisis, the U.S. could be⁢ viewed as ⁤stepping back from its leadership role in global climate initiatives. This could undermine international agreements like the Paris⁢ Accord and deter other countries from committing⁣ to their own climate goals.

TNE: In light of this, what do you believe will be the reaction from both the public ‍and the scientific community regarding this nomination?

DEC: The scientific community is likely ‌to voice strong ⁤opposition, emphasizing the need for evidence-based ⁤policies that reflect current ​climate science. Public sentiment⁣ may be mixed; some may support a revival of fossil ⁣fuels due to immediate economic concerns, while others, particularly younger ⁤generations who prioritize sustainability, may protest against such an anti-climate agenda.

TNE: Looking ahead, what steps could activists and concerned citizens take to promote ⁢a more sustainable energy ‍policy ⁣in this new political ​climate?

DEC: Grassroots movements will be crucial in this context. Activists should focus on raising awareness about the realities of climate change, advocating for renewable⁤ energy investments, and ⁢holding the new administration accountable. Engaging‌ with local communities⁣ to promote clean energy initiatives and lobby ​for‍ legislative change can help counterbalance the ​federal approach.

TNE: ⁣Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this ⁣pressing issue. It will be interesting to see how⁣ this nomination plays out and the long-term implications it holds for energy​ policy.

DEC: ​Thank ⁤you for having me. I hope for a constructive⁣ dialogue around‍ these critical issues.

TNE: And⁣ thank you to our ‍audience for ⁤tuning in. Stay informed‌ and engaged ‌as we navigate these important discussions together. Until next time!

You may also like

Leave a Comment