Trump Picks Fossil Fuel CEO for Energy Secretary, Raising Equity Concerns

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A pumpjack operates at dawn in a pasture, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, near Hays, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive with no government experience, to lead the Energy Department, signaling a major push to boost oil and gas.

Wright opposes climate action, supports deregulating fossil fuels, and could roll back environmental protections that many Black communities rely on to combat pollution and health disparities.

Critics warn this could increase toxic emissions in areas already plagued by environmental racism. Additionally, prioritizing fossil fuels could limit investments in renewable energy jobs, hindering economic opportunities, and communities that have been long underrepresented with clean energy growth.

Environmental justice advocates warn this decision could widen the gap in environmental equity.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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