On Saturday, Trump declared that he has appointed Wright, a fracking company executive known for vehemently opposing the idea of a climate crisis and the shift to renewable energy sources, to head the Department of Energy. (Gage Skidmore/CC)
From THE STAR STAFF
Independent Rep. Luis Raul Torres, who has led several investigations related to energy in the House, criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Chris Wright as Energy Secretary on Sunday, arguing that it signals a return to policies that prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy.
“The voice of reason urges us to consider the recent appointment of Chris Wright as Secretary of the Department of Energy, a choice that appears to favor the influential oil and natural gas sectors instead of demonstrating a dedication to a sustainable energy future. Wright’s known advocacy for fossil fuels signals a troubling reversal in progress toward renewable energy production,” he stated via his X account.
Trump stated on Saturday that he has nominated Wright, an executive known for his harsh criticism of the climate crisis narrative and the movement towards renewable energy, to lead the Department of Energy. It is anticipated that the Trump administration will redirect the department away from the clean energy policies promoted under outgoing President Joe Biden.
Torres argued that the reliance on oil and natural gas perpetuates a harmful energy paradigm that jeopardizes public health, pollutes the environment, and binds current and future generations to steep energy costs. “Who reaps the rewards of this dependency? Certainly not the populace, but the influential stakeholders and executives within these industries, whose hold over energy markets remains as damaging as it is unyielding,” he remarked.
“The voice of reason reminds us that transitioning to renewable energy is not merely an ideological fancy, but a vital necessity. Renewable energies like solar, wind, and geothermal not only safeguard the planet but also offer a chance to diversify economies and liberate citizens from corporate stratagems,” he added.
He expressed that Wright’s appointment jeopardizes advancements in renewable energy while bolstering a framework that places profit above public health, air quality, and climate stability. While other nations advance towards energy independence rooted in renewable sources, the United States appears to be regressing, steering the world not towards a more sustainable future but towards a current rife with pollution and inequality, he asserted.
