On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Energy Secretary, Colorado's Chris Wright, appeared before the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee for his confirmation hearing. The hearings were for the most part uneventful, but there were a few highlights - and lowlights - worth noting.
Focus on American Energy
The heart of Mr. Wright's testimony was his focus on growing American energy, both with existing sources and developing sources; he spoke at some length about the importance of growing the supply of affordable, reliable, and stable American energy.
Mr. Wright's opening statement said in part:
My mission would be to inspire people in the department, and in the labs, and across the network, to focus on what's most important for Americans, which is growing the supply of affordable, reliable, secure American energy.
Full credit to the nominee for recognizing and hitting at the heart of the question. Chris Wright is a businessman, not a bureaucrat or politician.
Highlights and Lowlights
High points:
The nominee appears to favor an "all of the above" approach to American energy, and while he has worked with solar energy projects in his business career and mentioned the use of solar power where it's appropriate, he also is a supporter of nuclear energy. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) discussed geothermal energy and strategic minerals. Mr. Wright acknowledged and pledged to work to develop domestic sources in Alaska and elsewhere.
Low points:
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) asked a controversial question. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) badgered Mr. Wright about climate change. Fortunately, most of the senators behaved themselves, and the hearings went smoothly.
Prediction
Chris Wright will be confirmed, handily, with a bipartisan vote.
You can view a transcript of the hearing here.
