President-elect Trump's nomination of Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive who founded and serves as CEO and board chairman of Denver-based Liberty Energy, to lead the Department of Energy is a clear indicator as to how the incoming administration is expected to undo much of the outgoing administration's energy policies under current DOE secretary Jennifer Granholm.
In general, expect a domestically-produced energy dominance approach that will rely heavily on expanded use of fossil fuels.
Liberty Energy describes itself as a technology-focused energy industry service provider. That's music to the ears for many in trucking.
"The whole issue of climate change and what we do about it needs a pragmatist at the helm, not a hard core believer on either side," declares Joe Rajkovacz, director of governmental affairs and communications of the Western Trucking Association.
Who is Chris Wright?
Trump described Wright as “a leading technologist and entrepreneur in Energy,” in a statement on Nov. 17, pointing out that Wright has worked in the nuclear, solar, geothermal, oil, and gas industries.
Wright's beliefs are in direct contradiction to many environment groups, elements of the scientific community, and several state governments, specifically California. He's a climate change sceptic, fracking proponent, and a self-described "tech nerd turned entrepreneur... who [doesn't] care where energy comes, as long as it secure, reliable, affordable, and betters human lives."
He's not, however, a climate change denier, but rather disagrees with the way Democrats and many in the international community are addressing it.
Wright, a Colorado native who has no prior government experience, has served as CEO and chairman of Liberty since 2011. He completed his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at MIT and went on to do graduate work in electric engineering at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley. In 1992, he founded Pinnacle Technologies, which helped establish the hydraulic fracture mapping industry and commercial shale gas production. He then served as chairman of Stroud Energy, another early shale gas producer before starting Liberty Resources in 2010.
On his LinkedIn profile, Wright states that he does not "care where energy comes, as long as it is secure, reliable, affordable and betters human lives."
Earlier this year, he published a book titled 'Bettering Human Lives,' where he presents his overall outlook and beliefs regarding energy and climate change. Most of all, he makes his case as to why the US must produce more oil and gas, not less.
National Energy Council
Along with interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum, Wright, if confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, will serve on Trump's proposed National Energy Council. Burgum is slated to serve as council chairman.
The energy council, according to Trump, will include all executive branch agencies involved in energy, specifically distribution, production, generation, regulation, and transportation. The president-elect wants the council to cut red tape and increase domestic energy production.
Expect to see the council recommend rescinding unspent funds from President Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act as well as a push to deregulate pollution standards from coal-fired power plants. Also don't be surprised if Wright recommends the construction of more nuclear power plants as a clean energy source.
Trucking's response
Like several of Trump's cabinet nominees, Wright's selection raised a few eyebrows on both sides of the aisle.
The trucking industry has long taken a conservative stance regarding the transition from fossil fuels to zero emission technologies, but has not outright declared it's not open to electrification. Instead, it's maintained the approach that the path to zero emissions cannot be mandated, both at the state and federal level.
"Chris Wright is a pragmatist on energy policy and similar to us, believes 'bridges' to the future need to be built with energy policy," adds Rajkovacz. "He actually does believe carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and is making the atmosphere warmer. His disagreement is what we do about it and how we continue to have a stable and expanding economy while moving towards a greener future."
Trucking manufacturers will still proceed with electrified semis; it's not like they can suddenly halt long-term business plans. However, they understand the importance of establishing a productive relationship with Wright and the next administration.
The political battles, meanwhile, are expected to be fought at the state level with California leading the charge.
Clean Trucking requested comment on Wright's nomination from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and other clean transportation organizations but has not received responses at this time.
