Just to further make Robert's point about "qualifications". According to Wikipedia the current Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm,
"...won the Miss San Carlos beauty pageant.[12] As a young adult, she attempted to launch a Hollywood acting career but abandoned her efforts at age 21.[11] In 1978, she appeared on The Dating Game,[13] and held jobs as a tour guide at Universal Studios"
She then went on to be a lawyer and career Democratic politician.
As far as I can see zero experience in the energy sector.
MSNBC: "Trump's pick for energy secretary thinks climate change is good". Is this really what he said, and if so, what was the context - misleading statement or frustrated hyperbole?
I exchanged messages with the daughter of Sam Bodman, Sec Energy during the 1989-93 Bush Presidency. Bodman had been Head of the Ventures Fund at Fidelity Investments in the 1970s and 1980s which was heavily invested in the energy patch. So while not directly an "oil man" he was very well connected in the industry.
I'm optimistic that Chris Wright's reasoned approach to energy will stand as a counterpoint to the Socialist perspective on energy that has become dominant. Please see the inline references in this November 12, 2024 article, "Protesting California's Ongoing Nuclear to Coal Transition - Part 2 -
The report "Energy Matters" should be required reading for everyone working for DOE. It should also be adapted as a text book for use in courses on Energy as well as Climate Change.
Your optimism about Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy is well founded.
“Everyone desires and deserves more energy and the opportunities it unleashes.” “Zero Energy Poverty by 2050 is a superior goal compared to Net Zero 2050.”
“Cooking amidst harmful smoke from traditional fuels such as wood, dung, agricultural waste, and charcoal is life threatening. Worldwide, 2.3 billion people — predominately women and girls — cook today using these harmful fuels. Household air pollution kills an estimated 3.2 million people per year. In 2020 it claimed over 237,000 children under five — more than the combined annual toll of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.” - Liberty “Bettering Human Lives” report.
I think this quote by David Friedberg, highlights why Chris Wright and President Trump's administration and the DOGE could be so transformative in the next 4 years. I wonder how much AI will play a part in this?
"A lot of people think evolution is a continuous process, but it’s not. Evolution involves significant growth over time, followed by an extinction event or external force that leads to what’s called punctuated equilibrium. Essentially, the system resets, and the stronger, healthier species survive, grow, and persist.
If you look at the first chart I pulled up, it illustrates past extinction events—periods when large amounts of biomass were wiped out over the past half billion years. After these events, evolution takes place because the species that survive adapt and thrive in the changed environment. Evolution is driven by external forces testing what survives and what doesn’t.
Now, consider federal spending as an analogy. Over the past few decades, various agencies, bureaucracies, jobs, spending programs, operating models, and behaviors have grown substantially. I would argue that Trump’s mandate, as perceived by those who supported him, was to act as an extinction event. Many don’t like to hear this, but the idea was to disrupt these systems profoundly. Agencies, processes, and individuals that withstand the scrutiny of Trump’s appointees would emerge stronger, more resilient, and more robust.
This isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about survival of the fittest. Trump’s approach introduces the most disruptive force federal agencies have ever encountered. His mandate wasn’t to maintain the status quo but to fundamentally challenge the systems, bringing in individuals who would act as oppositional forces. This approach may create a federal government that looks very different on the other side. While some agencies or systems may adapt and thrive, others will fail.
The Democrats, on the other hand, warned that Trump’s appointees would be unqualified and chaotic. Now, they’re saying, “We told you so.” However, they may not fully understand that the goal isn’t to keep things running smoothly but to test these systems with unprecedented challenges.
This kind of extinction-level event could lead to outcomes that are, in some cases, positive for the country. Over the next few years, the federal government might become more efficient and resilient. However, there could also be significant downsides—jobs lost, suffering, and unintended consequences. Federal spending, bureaucracy, and inefficiency cannot continue unchecked, and this may be the path to address it during the limited timeframe of this administration."
(1:05:51) Trump's transition picks: Strategy, highest upside/downside, and more
President Trump - the Punctuated Equilibrium President, Making Government Efficient for the First Time
The U.S. energy sector faces immense challenges, from inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia to the need for innovation of all types of energy. A paradigm shift—akin to punctuated equilibrium in evolution—may be underway. The Department of Government Efficiencies (DOGE), under the influence of disruptive leaders like President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, could catalyze such a transformation.
Chris Wright, a staunch advocate for practical, scalable energy solutions, aligns with the goals of reducing energy poverty while fostering innovation. His leadership may focus on trimming bureaucratic inefficiencies, streamlining permitting processes, and incentivizing cutting-edge technologies. Such efforts could pave the way for achieving Zero Energy Poverty by 2050, ensuring affordable, reliable energy access for all Americans and the world.
Trump’s historical emphasis on deregulation, paired with Wright’s industry expertise, might create a unique environment where bold initiatives thrive. By fostering public-private partnerships, advancing grid modernization, and prioritizing domestic energy production. Let's work so the U.S. could chart a course toward reducing Energy Prices by 50%, Increase Total Energy Available by 2X, Increase Grid Reliability by 10x (eliminates the need for home generators), lower CO2 emissions by 50%.
This “extinction event” for outdated policies could drive a resilient, innovative energy ecosystem. If successful, this model could inspire global adoption, achieving meaningful climate goals while preserving economic growth and achieving Zero Energy Poverty by 2050.
How will he get rid of the lousy anti energy people the DOE is infested with? I think he is a great pick. I have been in the energy business since 1975 and have visited Liberty up in Denver.
Excellent reporting. Thank you for interviewing Chris and encouraging to know that we have a 30 year energy leader and nerd that will be running our energy direction for the next 4 years.
Thanks so much for posting Liberty “Bettering Human Lives” report. The latest edition is a 180-page document that begins with two declarations: “Energy is essential to life and the world needs more of it.” And “The modern world today is powered by and made of hydrocarbons.”
Zero Energy Poverty by 2050 is a superior goal compared to Net Zero 2050.
If Trump is serious about reestablishing American Energy Dominance and using it to bring order back to this chaotic world, I can think of no one better than Chris Wright to be in his ear. First of all he’s an engineer committed to science and won’t succumb to special interests whispering in his ear. He’s also incredibly easy to talk to and can break complex issues down simply. That will be huge as Trump and team are trying to figure out how to use energy resources and the promises thereof globally. I think he’ll be one of Trump’s most important advisors.
And I say that as a guy who thinks this position is unnecessary and should be a casualty of DOGE chainsaw. Perhaps with a real energy person leading it, it’s worth salvaging to see if it has beneficial use. 🤞
Just to further make Robert's point about "qualifications". According to Wikipedia the current Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm,
"...won the Miss San Carlos beauty pageant.[12] As a young adult, she attempted to launch a Hollywood acting career but abandoned her efforts at age 21.[11] In 1978, she appeared on The Dating Game,[13] and held jobs as a tour guide at Universal Studios"
She then went on to be a lawyer and career Democratic politician.
As far as I can see zero experience in the energy sector.
MSNBC: "Trump's pick for energy secretary thinks climate change is good". Is this really what he said, and if so, what was the context - misleading statement or frustrated hyperbole?
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/trump-energy-secretary-chris-wright-climate-change-rcna183502
I exchanged messages with the daughter of Sam Bodman, Sec Energy during the 1989-93 Bush Presidency. Bodman had been Head of the Ventures Fund at Fidelity Investments in the 1970s and 1980s which was heavily invested in the energy patch. So while not directly an "oil man" he was very well connected in the industry.
I'm delighted that Chris Wright has been picked. I have great respect for him as someone wh actually understands energy.
I'm optimistic that Chris Wright's reasoned approach to energy will stand as a counterpoint to the Socialist perspective on energy that has become dominant. Please see the inline references in this November 12, 2024 article, "Protesting California's Ongoing Nuclear to Coal Transition - Part 2 -
German deindustrialization follows slashing safe, reliable, cost-effective and zero-pollution nuclear power generation." https://greennuke.substack.com/p/protesting-californias-ongoing-nuclear-4fa
The report "Energy Matters" should be required reading for everyone working for DOE. It should also be adapted as a text book for use in courses on Energy as well as Climate Change.
Your optimism about Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy is well founded.
Here's the URL for "Bettering Human Lives." https://libertyenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bettering-Human-Lives-2024-Web-Liberty-Energy.pdf
Thanks, the link is also in Robert's post.
“Everyone desires and deserves more energy and the opportunities it unleashes.” “Zero Energy Poverty by 2050 is a superior goal compared to Net Zero 2050.”
“Cooking amidst harmful smoke from traditional fuels such as wood, dung, agricultural waste, and charcoal is life threatening. Worldwide, 2.3 billion people — predominately women and girls — cook today using these harmful fuels. Household air pollution kills an estimated 3.2 million people per year. In 2020 it claimed over 237,000 children under five — more than the combined annual toll of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.” - Liberty “Bettering Human Lives” report.
Beautifully and accurately written, Robert!
I think this quote by David Friedberg, highlights why Chris Wright and President Trump's administration and the DOGE could be so transformative in the next 4 years. I wonder how much AI will play a part in this?
"A lot of people think evolution is a continuous process, but it’s not. Evolution involves significant growth over time, followed by an extinction event or external force that leads to what’s called punctuated equilibrium. Essentially, the system resets, and the stronger, healthier species survive, grow, and persist.
If you look at the first chart I pulled up, it illustrates past extinction events—periods when large amounts of biomass were wiped out over the past half billion years. After these events, evolution takes place because the species that survive adapt and thrive in the changed environment. Evolution is driven by external forces testing what survives and what doesn’t.
Now, consider federal spending as an analogy. Over the past few decades, various agencies, bureaucracies, jobs, spending programs, operating models, and behaviors have grown substantially. I would argue that Trump’s mandate, as perceived by those who supported him, was to act as an extinction event. Many don’t like to hear this, but the idea was to disrupt these systems profoundly. Agencies, processes, and individuals that withstand the scrutiny of Trump’s appointees would emerge stronger, more resilient, and more robust.
This isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about survival of the fittest. Trump’s approach introduces the most disruptive force federal agencies have ever encountered. His mandate wasn’t to maintain the status quo but to fundamentally challenge the systems, bringing in individuals who would act as oppositional forces. This approach may create a federal government that looks very different on the other side. While some agencies or systems may adapt and thrive, others will fail.
The Democrats, on the other hand, warned that Trump’s appointees would be unqualified and chaotic. Now, they’re saying, “We told you so.” However, they may not fully understand that the goal isn’t to keep things running smoothly but to test these systems with unprecedented challenges.
This kind of extinction-level event could lead to outcomes that are, in some cases, positive for the country. Over the next few years, the federal government might become more efficient and resilient. However, there could also be significant downsides—jobs lost, suffering, and unintended consequences. Federal spending, bureaucracy, and inefficiency cannot continue unchecked, and this may be the path to address it during the limited timeframe of this administration."
(1:05:51) Trump's transition picks: Strategy, highest upside/downside, and more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CBMlzHo0AU
President Trump - the Punctuated Equilibrium President, Making Government Efficient for the First Time
The U.S. energy sector faces immense challenges, from inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia to the need for innovation of all types of energy. A paradigm shift—akin to punctuated equilibrium in evolution—may be underway. The Department of Government Efficiencies (DOGE), under the influence of disruptive leaders like President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, could catalyze such a transformation.
Chris Wright, a staunch advocate for practical, scalable energy solutions, aligns with the goals of reducing energy poverty while fostering innovation. His leadership may focus on trimming bureaucratic inefficiencies, streamlining permitting processes, and incentivizing cutting-edge technologies. Such efforts could pave the way for achieving Zero Energy Poverty by 2050, ensuring affordable, reliable energy access for all Americans and the world.
Trump’s historical emphasis on deregulation, paired with Wright’s industry expertise, might create a unique environment where bold initiatives thrive. By fostering public-private partnerships, advancing grid modernization, and prioritizing domestic energy production. Let's work so the U.S. could chart a course toward reducing Energy Prices by 50%, Increase Total Energy Available by 2X, Increase Grid Reliability by 10x (eliminates the need for home generators), lower CO2 emissions by 50%.
This “extinction event” for outdated policies could drive a resilient, innovative energy ecosystem. If successful, this model could inspire global adoption, achieving meaningful climate goals while preserving economic growth and achieving Zero Energy Poverty by 2050.
How will he get rid of the lousy anti energy people the DOE is infested with? I think he is a great pick. I have been in the energy business since 1975 and have visited Liberty up in Denver.
Excellent reporting. Thank you for interviewing Chris and encouraging to know that we have a 30 year energy leader and nerd that will be running our energy direction for the next 4 years.
What a great nomination!
Thanks so much for posting Liberty “Bettering Human Lives” report. The latest edition is a 180-page document that begins with two declarations: “Energy is essential to life and the world needs more of it.” And “The modern world today is powered by and made of hydrocarbons.”
Zero Energy Poverty by 2050 is a superior goal compared to Net Zero 2050.
thanks also for the YouTube posts.
Chris Wright will not have the same problem as Energy Sec. Granholm - who admitted she does not know U.S. oil consumption rate.
Question, what 3 top problems do energy companies have to transform the energy market?
My thoughts: Regulation, Availability, Innovation.
How Can AI Help?
Doug
If Trump is serious about reestablishing American Energy Dominance and using it to bring order back to this chaotic world, I can think of no one better than Chris Wright to be in his ear. First of all he’s an engineer committed to science and won’t succumb to special interests whispering in his ear. He’s also incredibly easy to talk to and can break complex issues down simply. That will be huge as Trump and team are trying to figure out how to use energy resources and the promises thereof globally. I think he’ll be one of Trump’s most important advisors.
And I say that as a guy who thinks this position is unnecessary and should be a casualty of DOGE chainsaw. Perhaps with a real energy person leading it, it’s worth salvaging to see if it has beneficial use. 🤞
Excellent choice!!