Donald Trump announced on November 16 that Chris Wright, the founder and CEO of oilfield services firm Liberty Energy, will be his choice to lead the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Wright, a strong advocate for fossil fuels, is expected to align with Trump’s energy policies, which prioritize maximizing oil and gas production and expanding electricity generation.

Wright has been a vocal critic of climate change activism, dismissing it as alarmist and likening efforts to combat global warming to communist-style overreach.

Wright is also an advocate for increased fossil fuel production to combat poverty. Known for his unorthodox approach, Wright gained attention in 2019 when he drank fracking fluid on camera to demonstrate its safety.

If confirmed by the Senate, Wright will take over from Jennifer Granholm, a proponent of clean energy. His leadership will be crucial in managing energy diplomacy, overseeing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and advancing nuclear energy, a key focus for both parties.

With U.S. electricity demand rising due to technological advancements, Wright’s tenure could see further debate on balancing fossil fuel use with emerging energy technologies.