President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Chris Wright, a veteran of the US energy sector and CEO of Liberty Energy, as the next energy secretary.
Wright is recognised as a pioneer of the American shale revolution, having played a crucial role in advancing hydraulic fracturing technologies that reshaped the global energy landscape.
Wright brings decades of experience to the role. He founded and currently serves as the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based company specializing in hydraulic fracturing.
Earlier in his career, Wright founded Pinnacle Technologies, which innovated hydraulic fracture mapping and helped launch the commercial shale gas industry in the late 1990s.
Wright is a staunch advocate of fossil fuels and has expressed scepticism about climate change. Trump has highlighted Wright’s contributions to American energy independence, calling him a key figure in the nation’s energy dominance strategy.
As energy secretary, Wright will oversee the US Department of Energy and join the Council of National Energy to drive private sector investments and regulatory reforms. This appointment aligns with Trump’s agenda to expand oil and gas exploration while reducing environmental restrictions, echoing policies from his first term.
Wright’s nomination has drawn mixed reactions, reflecting his advocacy for fracking and controversial views on climate issues.