Chris Wright, President-elect Trump's nominee to head the Department of Energy, has rejected the established link between climate change and extreme weather events, insisting that the storms are not intensifying.
“Despite endless fear-mongering by the media, politicians and activists, we are not seeing an increase in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or floods,” said the chairman and CEO of hydraulic fracturing company Liberty Energy. CEO Wright said in the paper. video Posted on LinkedIn last year.
While he acknowledged that greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global warming, he also said in the video: “There is no such thing as a 'climate crisis.'”
He made similar comments during a House financial hearing earlier this year, saying:prepared comments: “In general, increases in GHG emissions are associated with increases in temperature, but significant scientific uncertainty remains regarding feedback effects. In fact, reducing deaths from the common cold saves millions of lives.”
The harmful effects of climate change are recognized by broad scientific consensus.
United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change say Climate change is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, and heavy rainfall may be increasing in frequency and intensity. He also said that studies show that hurricanes are likely to become more intense and that climate change will increase the amount of rainfall during hurricanes.
NASARising greenhouse gas emissions “will lead to further climate extremes, with widespread negative impacts across the planet.”
Emissions released by the combustion of fossil fuels are the main cause of climate change. Mr. Wright has also sought to downplay other downsides to the use of such fuels. Notably, in 2019 hedrank fracking fluidThey are shown on camera as part of an effort to convey that they are not dangerous.
Hydraulic fracturing is a process that extracts oil and gas by injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into rock. Studies have linked it to water pollution, childhood cancer, and earthquakes.
“The biggest energy challenge in the world today is not the toxic chemicals in frac fluids, but the fact that so many people around the world don't have access to energy,” Wright said in a 2019 video. .
President Trump has repeatedly downplayed climate change himself, falsely claiming that it is a “hoax,” and has filled his first administration with people who are skeptical of climate change science. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance also expressed skepticism about the scientific consensus linking climate change and carbon emissions during a debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) last month.
In selecting Wright to head the Department of Energy, President Trump praised him as a “first-class engineer and entrepreneur,” citing his work in oil and gas as well as nuclear power, solar power, and geothermal power. Ta.
But Wright's past comments downplaying the negative effects of climate change and fracking have raised concerns about his potential appointment to head the agency, which oversees energy development financing, grants, research and the nation's nuclear arsenal. That has raised concerns among environmentalists and Democrats.
“Chris Wright is a science-denier, self-serving, sanctimonious fraud who consistently puts the needs of energy producers ahead of the needs of America's energy consumers,” Rep. Sean Kasten (D-Ill.) said in a written statement. We are prioritizing the wishes of the people.”
“Chris Wright is a climate change denier who has profited from polluting our communities and putting our health and future at risk. So, of course, Donald Trump wants to make sure that he has the Department of Energy He believes he is the right person to lead and will do everything in his power to abuse his power.'' Extending the use of deadly fossil fuels and rubber-stamping the free expansion of LNG exports to his executives' friends who are corporate polluters. to give people the best they can,” said Ben Jealous, the association's executive director. The Sierra Club issued a written statement.
Wright's significant financial contributions to Trump's re-election campaign are also attracting attention.
Over the summer, he made two contributions of $175,000 and $53,990.Trump 47 Community Chest Committeethe Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee (RNC), and will also allocate funds to other political committees once the contribution limit is reached. The RNC received $41,300 from Mr. Wright through the Community Chest Committee in July.
Harold Hamm, a major donor to President Trump,$614,000He recently donated $200,000 to the Trump 47 Committee and $200,000 to the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc.saidHeart Energy magazine said Wright is a top choice for secretary of energy.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (DR.I.) said, “Mega-donor and oil and gas billionaire Harold Hamm has helped President Trump win thanks to large amounts of campaign contributions from Hamm's oil giant associates.'' “We have handpicked Chris Wright for the Department of Energy.” Post social platform ×.
“It probably didn't hurt that Wright himself donated $$$ to a pro-Trump super PAC and the Republican National Committee after Trump sought fossil fuel payoffs at Mar-a-Lago. This cartoon “Paid corruption like this bodes well for President Trump's future appeal to Washington,” the White House added.
The White House was referring to President Trump's request for $1 billion in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry.washington postTrump has reportedly said that the donations would be a “deal” for oil company executives because of the tax cuts and deregulation he would introduce if re-elected, but sources told The Hill that this discussion is He said it was not a quid pro quo framework.
Kedrick Payne of the Campaign Legal Center said donations don't necessarily raise ethical issues.
“It's not uncommon for political appointees to contribute to presidential campaigns,” said Payne, vice president, general counsel and senior ethics director for the group.
“Whenever it appears that someone is paying money to gain access or influence in government, it diminishes public trust in government,” he said, adding that it violates ethics rules. He added that it doesn't seem like that's the case.
But he said ethics required Mr. Wright to divest from all financial interests in the energy industry.
Virginia Canter, chief ethics counselor at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, agreed that the appointment does not appear to raise any legal issues, but said the donation “certainly raises ethical concerns.” “It's showing,” he said.
“There are questions about whether they represent the public interest or the oil and gas industry,” she said.
Wright is not the only candidate for President Trump who has contributed to his campaign this term. Elon Musk, the president-elect's pick to head the Government Efficiency Commission, has spent more than $100 million toward Trump's reelection bid.
Wright has faced criticism from Democrats, but it's unclear whether their concerns will change his confirmation prospects. Republicans are expected to hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and at least four Republicans would need to vote against his confirmation to block his confirmation.
Other candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Matt Gaetz, are considered more controversial.
Contributed by Taylor Giorno.
