**Trump Appoints Fossil Fuel Advocate Chris Wright as Energy Secretary**

In a significant move for his prospective second term, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, a notable campaign donor and prominent figure in the fossil fuel industry, to be his energy secretary. Wright, currently CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, has been an outspoken supporter of oil and gas development, particularly fracking. His appointment is set to align with Trump's strategic goal of positioning the United States as a leader in global energy markets.

Wright's potential appointment has drawn attention due to his strong opposition to climate change mitigation efforts. He has been particularly critical of what he terms a "top-down" approach by liberal and left-wing groups. Wright has also argued that the global climate movement is unsustainable and "collapsing under its own weight." His selection suggests a probable shift towards policies favoring fossil fuels, including the possible rollback of the Biden administration's year-long pause on natural gas export approvals.

Key conservative figures, including oil and gas mogul Harold Hamm, have endorsed Wright's nomination. Hamm, who chairs Oklahoma-based Continental Resources and is a long-time Trump supporter, organized an event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort this past April. At this event, Trump reportedly solicited $1 billion in donations from industry leaders and lobbyists in return for a promise to ease environmental regulations if re-elected.

The Energy Department, tasked with overseeing the nation's energy policy, environmental security, and nuclear arsenal, plays a critical role in advancing scientific and technological progress. It is also responsible for maintaining 17 national research laboratories and ensuring the cleanup of the nuclear weapons complex.

Republican Sen. John Barrasso, anticipated to chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has praised Wright's nomination, citing his innovative contributions to America's fracking industry. Barrasso emphasized the need for an energy policy that benefits American families and bolsters national security.

Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, also expressed support for Wright, calling him "an excellent choice" for the position. Pyle, who led Trump's Energy Department transition team in 2016, highlighted Wright's credentials and extensive experience in the energy sector.

Wright's career trajectory includes notable academic achievements with an undergraduate degree from MIT and graduate work at both the University of California-Berkeley and MIT. He founded Pinnacle Technologies in 1992, significantly contributing to the commercialization of shale gas production through hydraulic fracturing. Wright later served as chairman of Stroud Energy before establishing Liberty Resources in 2010.