Summary

Chris Wright, Donald Trump’s energy secretary nominee, faced criticism during his Senate confirmation hearing for downplaying links between climate change and wildfires, calling concerns “hype.”

Democrats, including California Senator Alex Padilla, challenged his stance, citing catastrophic wildfires in the state.

Wright acknowledged climate change is real and caused by increased CO2 levels but defended expanded fossil fuel use, arguing energy sources have tradeoffs rather than being “clean” or “dirty.”

Despite opposition, Senate Republicans support his nomination, while scientists confirm climate change exacerbates wildfire frequency and severity.