President-elect Donald Trump’s picks to lead the energy and environment agencies have their Senate confirmation hearings this week. As we head into a new administration, we provide some background on the men who could make up Trump’s National Energy Council and steer energy and environment policy from the cabinet level.  

1. Chris Wright, Nominee for Secretary of Energy
2. Doug Burgham, Nominee for Secretary of the Interior
3. Lee Zeldin, Nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy

Nominee for the Secretary of Energy

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Chris Wright for Secretary of Energy reflects a strategic choice to advance energy policies that reduce energy poverty, increase energy affordability, and embrace energy innovation. 

Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, brings extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, particularly in hydraulic fracturing, which has been instrumental in the U.S. energy boom and for America’s global leadership in reducing emissions. His industry expertise positions him to effectively oversee the Department of Energy’s mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity with abundant and secure energy production. As a supporter of research and development, Liberty Energy’s Bettering Human Lives report emphasizes that “Innovation is paramount for efforts to expand energy access and affordability while also reducing GHG emissions.”

Wright can help support and propel American energy dominance by reducing regulatory barriers that impede energy production. His stance against costly, ineffective overregulation aligns with C3’s goals of minimizing government intervention in the energy sector, promoting innovation, and enhancing American energy companies’ global competitiveness. 

Wright’s support for nuclear energy and geothermal further strengthens his position. This indicates a commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including clean, firm energy sources that can compete in the marketplace.

Doug Burgum, North Dakota Governor

Nominee for the Secretary of the Interior

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is nominated for Secretary of the Interior and chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council. Burgum’s extensive background in private and public services makes him a strong proponent of practical, innovative energy solutions. 

Burgum was a successful technology entrepreneur in the private sector. He founded Great Plains Software, which Microsoft later acquired. This leadership demonstrates his ability to drive growth and innovation within a competitive market. As governor, he championed policies that encouraged economic development and technological advancement.

Burgum supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy, promoting renewable and conventional energy sources. He advocated for increased mining of rare earth metals on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, recognizing that these materials are essential for developing clean energy technologies. Additionally, Burgum endorsed the development of carbon capture pipelines, embracing a private-sector-led commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions through technological progress. Like the other two nominees, Burgum’s policies are expected to reduce ineffective regulations, promote efficiency within the government, and empower the private sector to lead in energy production. He will create a positive environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmental stewardship. 

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Lee Zeldin, former Congressman from New York’s 1st District

Nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Former Congressman Lee Zeldin has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump’s choice underscores a commitment to harmonizing economic growth with environmental stewardship. 

Zeldin’s legislative history reflects a pragmatic approach to environmental policy. When serving New York’s first congressional district from 2015-2023, Zeldin was a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus and Conservative Climate Caucus. His legal prowess will be widely beneficial, particularly in the post-Chevron era. Any changes to Biden-era regulations will have to pass legal muster. 

The targets for a second Trump EPA will be the vehicle emissions standards,  power plant rules, and Waters of the United States.  Reforming many of these regulations will help consumers because many stringent regulations implemented during the Biden administration have imposed high costs and negligible environmental benefits. The power plant rules would have made building a new natural gas plant difficult, and natural gas is the most significant reason for emissions reductions in the power sector. The vehicle emissions standards were a march toward electric vehicle mandates, forcing pricier vehicles on car buyers and restricting choice. 

Zeldin and the Trump administration will prioritize rightsizing regulation that impedes innovation and economic growth while maintaining strong environmental standards.

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Energy and Environment Trifecta 

With Chris Wright, Doug Burgum, and Lee Zeldin leading the charge, the Trump administration is set to transform America’s energy future. They are champions of affordable, reliable, and secure energy. They embrace innovation for a stronger economy and a cleaner environment. If confirmed, they will bring proactive, free-market energy policy to the forefront and be tireless communicators for American energy dominance and environmental stewardship.

Their commitment to free-market principles, regulatory reform, and technological innovation will strengthen U.S. energy dominance and drive a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental stewardship. Under their leadership, we can expect a future where energy is abundant, affordable, reliable, and clean.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.