Meet Your Incoming Energy Secretary - Smugly "Standing By" His Dismissal Of Climate Collapse As 'Hype"
Donald Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, Chris Wright, is facing criticism for disputing the ties between climate change and more frequent or severe wildfires, the Washington Post reports, a stance that is contrary to scientific consensus. During Wright’s US Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Democrats, including the California senator Alex Padilla, challenged Wright over past comments, pointing to a LinkedIn post calling wildfire concerns “hype” and dismissing their connection to climate policies.
Padilla accused Wright of downplaying the real and deadly effects of wildfires. When the senator asked whether Wright stood by those comments in light of the catastrophic blazes in his home state, Wright responded that he believes that climate change is a global phenomenon and that he stands by his past comments.
Despite Democratic opposition, Senate Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority, favored Wright’s nomination. Wright pledged to advocate for expanded fossil fuel production during the hearing.
Scientific studies contradict Wright’s claims. Climate change has, in fact, contributed to the increased frequency and severity of wildfires, including those in Los Angeles. The fires at the center of the tense exchange have burned more than 40,000 acres (16,187 hectares) and killed at least 25 people. The two largest infernos, the Palisades and Eaton fires, are 19% and 45% contained, respectively.
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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/15/chris-wright-energy-secretary-climate-change