Op-Ed: Paul Vitek: Chris Wright is the leader to restore American energy dominance

"After having a front-row seat to Chris Wright's amazing career for the past 22 years, I can confidently say that the American people will benefit greatly with him as our Secretary of Energy..."

The saying goes that you spend more time with your coworkers than you do with your family, so you'd better like them. After having a front-row seat to Chris Wright's amazing career for the past 22 years, I can confidently say that the American people will benefit greatly with him as our Secretary of Energy. He is brilliant, innovative, passionate, compassionate, and unwaveringly committed to the projects and ideals he believes in. His leadership and vision inspire people to action and are exactly what this country needs at such a critical time for our energy future.

The United States desperately needs someone who understands the importance of energy independence that includes robust domestic oil and gas development, balanced with an appropriate use of alternatives including solar, wind, and nuclear. Chris Wright is that person.

With decades of experience and a proven track record of innovation across a number of energy sources, Chris has the knowledge, passion, and ability to secure America's energy future, providing reliable, affordable energy for all Americans while bolstering our economy and national security.

The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to energy policy has been defined by ill-informed spending and hasty decision making — particularly at the Department of Energy. Through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, they have significantly increased the Department of Energy’s funding authority. The DOE’s loan office has quadrupled its lending budget to over $240 billion, setting the stage for a flurry of loans of which many have supported uneconomic green energy projects.

In an effort to entrench their policies, Biden officials are now rushing to allocate billions of dollars in green energy funds before the new administration takes office. As the rules for implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions regarding the 45X Production Tax Credit and 30D Clean Vehicle Credit have been issued, they have disincentivized investment in the U.S., ignoring both affordable energy cost and national security.

The day Chris Wright takes office as Secretary of Energy will mark a new chapter for America’s energy policy. Chris’s passion for energy is unmatched, and his commitment to bold action is exactly what’s needed. With extensive experience across all energy sectors, Chris was a pioneer in the American Shale Revolution, which fueled energy independence and transformed global energy markets. His leadership helped position the United States as a dominant force in global energy — and he’s ready to do it again.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris Wright is a man of character and resilience. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and integrity he brings to every endeavor. His ability to lead, inspire people to action, and deliver results is incredible. The American people need a leader of his caliber, someone who will prioritize their needs and safeguard their future.

Chris Wright’s appointment as Secretary of Energy is not just a win for the energy sector; it’s a win for America. With his vision and expertise, he will bring accountability to the Department of Energy and ensure that the United States remains a global energy leader. It has been an honor to work alongside Chris, and I can say without hesitation that the country will be in great hands with Chris Wright leading the charge at the Department of Energy.

Paul Vitek is currently a director of the Bettering Human Lives Foundation. Paul was a founding partner of both Liberty Energy and Liberty Resources and served as the CFO and Vice President of Finance and Administration for each of the Liberty companies from 2010-2014. Prior to the founding of the Liberty companies, Paul served as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, Secretary and Treasurer for Carbo Ceramics Inc from 1988 to 2009.