Trump’s energy nominee insulted by climate protesters, mocked by Democrats
Lawmakers questioned President-elect Trump’s energy secretary climate changethe Los Angeles wildfires and the Biden administration’s green energy agenda during his nomination hearing, which was disrupted by several climate change protesters.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing for Liberty Energy Inc. CEO Chris Wright. and Trump’s election as leader Department of Energyon Wednesday, when it was also his birthday.
Trump’s nominee was introduced by a Democratic senator, Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, who described him as an “unbridled fossil fuel enthusiast.” Wright focused his responses on energy dominance, saying climate change is the “real problem,” global energy demand and his focus on growing energy resources.
“America has a historic opportunity to secure our energy systems, provide leadership in scientific and technological innovation, manage our weapons stockpile, and meet Cold War legacy obligations,” Wright said in his opening remarks.
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Wright said he has identified three “immediate tasks” on which he will focus his attention, if nominated: unleashing American energy, leading the world in innovation and technological breakthroughs, and increasing American manufacturing.
“President Trump shares my passion for energy, and if confirmed, I will work tirelessly to implement his bold plan as an unabashed steward for all sources of affordable, reliable and secure American energy,” Wright told the committee.
Republicans, such as Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, raised their questions about the Biden administration’s policies, such as the ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, regulations on household appliancesand recently the blocking of drilling along the coast.
Multiple Democratic senators alleged that committee chairman Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, scheduled a confirmation hearing before all the necessary documentation on Wright was provided to committee members. Other Democrats used their time at the microphone to argue that the fires in Los Angeles caused by “climate change”.
“Despite the misinformation circulating here in the Capitol, in California and everywhere in between, it is clear that these fires are reaching their size and scale only because of dry, unseasonal vegetation and extremely strong winds, both of which are a direct result of climate change,” said Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., during the hearing.
Asked about the issue of climate change, Wright said he believes it is a “real problem.”
“I’ve studied and followed the data and the evolution of climate change for at least 20 years. It’s a global problem. It’s a real problem. It’s a challenging problem,” Wright said, adding that he believes the solution to climate change is “developing our energy system. “
Fox News Digital filmed several climate change protesters disrupting Wright’s hearing Wednesday.
One protester stood up as Wright was being questioned and asked if his policies would “put out the fires in LA.”
“Are you going to ask any questions or are you just going to play climate softball the whole time,” said another protester who was removed from the hearing room.
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Several other climate protesters were also stationed outside the hearing room, wearing T-shirts that read: “I will not let my future burn.”