Chris Wright’s appointment by President-elect Trump signals a clear shift toward energy policies that favor traditional fossil fuel industries. Wright runs a Denver-based oilfield service company and is known for his skepticism regarding the extent of human impact on climate change. He doesn’t outright deny climate change but questions how much of it is driven by human activity versus natural cycles.

Climate Change: Human Activity or Natural Cycle?

While it’s clear that the Earth is warming, how much of this is due to human actions, like burning fossil fuels, versus natural climate variability is still debated, albeit with a strong scientific consensus leaning toward a significant human influence. Historically, the Earth has gone through warm and cool periods (think Ice Ages and Medieval Warm Periods). The big question today is whether the rate of change we’re seeing is beyond what natural cycles alone would account for.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting more evidence before jumping on board with drastic policies that could hurt the economy, especially when they often rely on speculative models. That said, we can’t ignore the signs either, and there’s room for discussion on how we proceed responsibly.

Stewardship of the Earth: A Biblical Mandate

In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to dress it and to keep it.” We have a responsibility to care for the Earth, which means preventing pollution and protecting the environment for future generations. It’s a balance—using the resources God has provided wisely while not exploiting them to the point of harm. We shouldn’t want our country to face pollution problems like China or India, where smog and dirty rivers are daily issues.

Energy Independence

Energy independence is vital for national security and economic stability. Depending on nations like Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, or Iran for energy means putting ourselves at the mercy of countries that don’t share our interests or values. The good news is that America has vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and coal, along with growing potential in nuclear, hydro, and renewable sources. By focusing on a diverse mix of energy sources, we can protect our environment and become less reliant on foreign oil.

Common-Sense Regulations

While some in the GOP may want to roll back every regulation, common-sense measures are necessary. Clean air and water are not partisan issues—no one wants to live in a country where breathing the air feels like smoking a pack of cigarettes! The key is finding a balance that protects public health without stifling innovation and economic growth.

The Path Forward

Chris Wright’s appointment could mean a more industry-friendly approach, but that doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. There’s a way to incentivize cleaner technology while still harnessing America’s energy potential. Instead of government mandates, let’s see industry innovation lead the charge with carbon capture, cleaner fuels, and new technology.

It’s good to be cautious but also open to ideas that support both our energy needs and our stewardship duties. Maybe with people like Chris Wright at the helm, we’ll see a path that respects both concerns—a pragmatic approach that strengthens our energy independence while encouraging responsible care for God’s creation.