Wright has been one of the industry's loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change and could give fossil fuels a boost, including quick action to end a year-long pause on natural gas export approvals by the Biden administration.

Chris Wright’s nomination elevates a pugnacious branch of the oil-and-gas industry that mostly hasn’t pledged to build out low-carbon energy businesses, unlike giants Exxon and Chevron.

President-elect Trump named Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy after vowing on the campaign trail to make America energy independent.