**Trump Nominates Chris Wright for Energy Secretary, Signaling Boost for Fossil Fuels**

In a significant move, former President Donald Trump has chosen Chris Wright, a prominent fossil fuel executive and current CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, as his nominee for Energy Secretary. Wright, known for his ardent support of oil and gas development, particularly hydraulic fracturing or fracking, aligns closely with Trump's vision of achieving U.S. “energy dominance” on the global stage.

Wright, whose professional background includes founding Pinnacle Technologies in 1992 and later heading Stroud Energy and Liberty Resources, has been vocal in opposing measures to combat climate change, and his appointment could mark a swift reversal of current policies under President Joe Biden. Specifically, Wright may act quickly to lift the Biden administration's year-long pause on natural gas export approvals, boosting the fossil fuel industry.

With a robust academic background, including undergraduate and graduate studies at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley, Wright describes himself as “a tech nerd turned entrepreneur” who supports a diverse array of energy sources, as long as they are secure, reliable, and improve human lives. He insists that enhanced fossil fuel production has the potential to alleviate global poverty.

Wright's nomination is poised to reshape energy policy significantly if confirmed. Alongside North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Trump's pick for Interior Secretary, Wright will sit on a newly established National Energy Council. This body aims to cut bureaucratic red tape and amplify domestic energy production, in stark contrast to the current administration’s climate-focused initiatives.

Trump has also pledged to reverse key elements of Biden's 2022 climate legislation and restrict efforts to increase electric vehicle usage and regulate carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Wright’s nomination has drawn support from influential conservative figures, including Harold Hamm, executive chairman of Continental Resources, and Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance.

However, the nomination has received significant criticism from environmental groups. Jackie Wong of the Natural Resources Defense Council has labeled Wright a “champion of dirty fossil fuels,” arguing that his appointment is detrimental to the Department of Energy's mission to advance 21st-century energy solutions. Similarly, Lena Moffitt from Evergreen Action has expressed concerns that Wright’s industry ties could undermine critical clean energy investments.

While supporters of Wright highlight his innovative contributions to the American fracking boom, opponents argue that his leadership could detract from efforts to address climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources. Wright’s confirmation thus promises to be a highly contested and impactful decision in the ongoing energy policy debate.