Wright, the founder of a fracking firm, testified that he would back all forms of low-carbon energy as well as gas, oil and coal.

As the CEO of the Colorado-based Liberty Energy who has said "there is no climate crisis," Wright's nomination comes with controversy.

Colorado energy entrepreneur and President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy Chris Wright faced a Senate panel for his confirmation hearing Thursday. Critics on the panel pressed Wright on possible conflicts of interest and whether he would avoid the appearance of impropriety.