President-elect Donald Trump has announced key appointments to shape energy policy in his second administration. He has selected Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as Secretary of Energy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior and chair a newly established National Energy Council.
Chris Wright is a vocal oil and gas development advocate and a board member for the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA). Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association, sits on the DEPA board with Chris Wright.
Wright’s appointment signals a clear focus on bolstering fossil fuel production and cutting regulatory barriers, aligning with Trump’s vision for U.S. “energy dominance.” Wright, a prominent defender of fracking and critic of climate change initiatives, has argued that increased fossil fuel production is essential to alleviating global poverty and fostering economic growth.
Doug Burgum will lead the Interior Department and oversee the newly created National Energy Council, which will coordinate energy policies across federal agencies. Trump has stated that the council aims to enhance private sector investment, cut red tape, and prioritize innovation over restrictive regulations. Burgum’s role as chair will also grant him a seat on the National Security Council, underscoring the strategic importance of energy policy in Trump’s agenda.
These selections reflect a unified vision to advance U.S. energy production, deregulation, and global influence, setting the stage for aggressive policy shifts in the energy sector.