Wright is the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, an oilfield services firm. He is also slated to serve on the incoming administration’s newly formed National Energy Council, which is expected to consist of all departments and agencies involving domestic energy. 

“President Trump shares my passion for energy and, if confirmed, I will work tirelessly to implement his bold agenda as an unabashed steward for all sources of affordable, reliable and secure American energy,” Wright said in his opening remarks at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing. 

Those in the oil industry have praised Wright’s nomination. However, he has met opposition from environmentalists, who have accused him of rejecting science related to climate change. In writings on social media and elsewhere, Wright has argued that a lack of energy in countries around the world is a more pressing problem than climate change.

Republicans on the committee signaled strong support for Wright on Wednesday. Most Democrats also indicated that they would likely not try to block his confirmation. Instead, they generally asked about areas of possible cooperation.

In an exchange with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Wright said he would seek to grow all types of “affordable” and “reliable” energy sources, listing coal, solar, wind, nuclear power, hydropower, and geothermal. 

“Every source of energy, either today or with technology, can be a growth engine for affordable and reliable secure energy,” Wright told lawmakers. 

Wright has previously said wind and solar raised electricity prices and destabilized the electricity grid but touted that he supports all types of energy. 

In addition, Wright also told the top Democrat on the panel, Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM), that he is committed to expanding the national electrical grid — a priority for many Democrats.

“Being able to build new transmission lines, being able to repowering existing transmission lines and grow their capacity and many other things are very important to meet this growing demand of energy,” Wright said. 

One of the few moments of disagreement came during questioning from Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), who noted a comment from Wright on social media last year that said, “The hype over wildfires is just hype to justify more impoverishment for bad government policies.”

Padilla asked Wright whether he stood by that statement in light of the Los Angeles wildfires, which have destroyed more than 12,000 structures and killed at least 24 people. 

Wright expressed sympathy for those affected by the fires but said he stands by his comments. 

A number of climate protesters interrupted Wright’s hearing throughout the session, with some chanting, “Reject Chris Wright!”