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POLITICO Energy

How Chris Wright did at his confirmation hearing

Jan 16, 2025
Chris Wright faced climate protesters and political tensions during his confirmation hearing for the Energy Department. Senators expressed skepticism while probing his commitment to climate change. Despite the heated dialogue, Wright's nuanced approach garnered some bipartisan support. Meanwhile, Doug Burgum announced plans to divest significant stock and land holdings if confirmed as Interior Secretary, further stirring the pot in the political landscape. The stakes are high as these discussions shape the future of energy policy.
09:15

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Quick takeaways

  • Chris Wright faced significant scrutiny from Democratic senators regarding his stance on climate change, highlighting tensions in energy policy discussions.
  • Protests during the hearing emphasized public concerns over climate issues, particularly linking them to recent environmental disasters like wildfires.

Deep dives

Challenging Confirmation Hearing Dynamics

Chris Wright's confirmation hearing to lead the Energy Department was marked by significant tensions, particularly from Democratic senators who expressed frustration over procedural issues. They felt that their review of his financial and ethics documents was insufficient prior to the hearing, leading to a contentious atmosphere at the outset. Despite these initial challenges, as the hearing progressed, members from both sides began to recognize Wright’s qualifications and offered supportive comments, reflecting a potential shift in sentiment. Ultimately, lawmakers noted his extensive background in various energy sectors, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of energy policy than initially perceived.

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