Chris Wright, President Donald Trump‘s nominee for leading the U.S. Energy Department, is set to address a conservative think tank in London next month. The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) confirmed his participation on Thursday. In previous engagements with this group, Wright has strongly supported expanding fracking operations.
A spokesperson from the department stated that Wright, expected to secure Senate confirmation on Friday, will not attend the ARC conference in person. However, it remains uncertain whether he will deliver his speech virtually at the event, scheduled for February 17-19. Trump administration policies have often emphasized the importance of such international engagements.
Wright’s Views on Fracking and Climate Change
Currently serving as CEO of Liberty Energy, an oilfield services firm, Wright last spoke at an ARC gathering in 2023. During that session, he advocated for fracking expansion in England, where the practice remains banned due to environmental concerns. He described the potential shift as transformative, emphasizing its significance for the United Kingdom, a nation with deep industrial roots.
Wright acknowledges climate change but views it as a long-term issue rather than an immediate crisis. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he reaffirmed his belief that concerns over wildfires have been exaggerated to justify government policies aimed at addressing climate change. His stance aligns with views held by Trump amid ongoing energy policy debates.
Topics and Speakers at the ARC Conference
The ARC conference will feature discussions on various topics, including family roles in maintaining social cohesion, free enterprise, governance, and environmental policies. Other confirmed speakers include U.S. Republican lawmakers and Bjorn Lomborg. Lomborg recognizes climate change as a real concern but disputes claims that the costs of combating it outweigh the benefits.
With Wright’s participation, the event is likely to highlight ongoing debates over energy policies and their impact on global climate strategies, including those initiated during Trump’s tenure.
