WASHINGTON, D.C.—Several new Trump administration officials in charge of energy and environmental agencies have officially been confirmed by the U.S. Senate, helping usher in a new phase of American energy policy led by industry veterans and former lawmakers.

These officials include three cabinet members–Chris Wright at the Department of Energy, Lee Zeldin at the Environmental Protection Agency and Doug Burgum at the Department of Interior–that have garnered applause from industry representatives. In alignment with other Trump appointees, the three leaders are expected to move the country toward policies that prioritize economic growth as much as environmental protection.

Chris Wright

The Senate approved the appointment of former Liberty Energy Chief Executive Officer Chris Wright—an industry veteran who has long argued that efforts to fight climate change undermine the far more important goal of ensuring everyone has access to affordable energy—as energy secretary on February 3. Other oil and gas advocates across the country greeted his confirmation with excitement.

“Secretary Chris Wright’s experience in the American energy sector gives him an important perspective that will inform his leadership of the Department of Energy,” says Mike Sommers, president and chief executive officer of the American Petroleum Institute. “We look forward to working with him to bolster American geopolitical strength by swiftly approving new LNG export permits and ensuring the open access of American energy for our allies around the world.”

Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, shared similar thoughts, saying that Wright’s “emphasis on streamlining federal policies and championing technological advancements will strengthen the nation’s energy landscape.”

Lee Zeldin

Former Congressman Lee Zeldin was confirmed by the Senate on January 29 as EPA administrator, where he’ll lead efforts to roll back many of the climate rules put in place under former President Joe Biden. Zeldin has touted an initiative called “Powering the Great American Comeback,” which he says aims to promote energy growth while protecting the environment.

Industry leaders congratulated Zeldin following his appointment, highlighting his ability to address environmental concerns without hindering energy production. API’s Sommers says Zeldin has a “proven track record of finding solutions to the nation’s most pressing energy challenges.”

“We look forward to working with him to advance American energy leadership, from developing smart, effective regulations to ensuring consumers—not the government—can choose the vehicles they drive,” Sommers says.

The sentiment was echoed by Alliance for Chemical Distribution President Eric Byer. “Zeldin was a thoughtful leader during his time in Congress, understanding that environmental protection and public safety can coexist without imposing unreasonable regulations,” he recalls.

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the next interior secretary on January 30, a decision that many in the oil and gas industry applauded. During his confirmation hearing, Burgum spoke of the importance of fostering energy development while being mindful of conservation.

“By achieving energy dominance, we can counter the influence of countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, which have fewer environmental safeguards,” Burgum said.

The American Petroleum Institute praised Burgum’s track record of supporting energy projects and development during his tenure as governor of North Dakota, noting that it is among the country’s leading oil and gas producing states.

“We look forward to working with him to implement a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing, starting with removing barriers to development on federal lands and waters and developing a new five-year offshore program,” says Sommers.

The Energy Workforce & Technology Council also lauded Burgum, citing his experience in both the public and private sectors and “his commitment to innovation and energy development.” “His track record of prioritizing innovation over regulation will help ensure America continues to lead in energy production while maintaining environmental stewardship. We look forward to working with him to advance policies that support our workforce and unleash American energy,” says Tarpley.

Kathleen Sgamma

Several other nominees are still pending Senate confirmation. For example, Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Colorado-based oil industry trade group Western Energy Alliance and a longtime oil and gas industry representative, as the new BLM director on February 12.

“I look forward to leading an agency that is key to the agenda of unleashing American energy while protecting the environment,” Sgamma says, calling the nomination an honor.

As someone who has worked on public lands issues for two decades through her role at WEA, Sgamma says she understands the importance of balancing energy and all its components with stewardship of the land.

Under Sgamma’s leadership, the WEA has been active in lawsuits advocating for oil and gas producers, including a challenge to the Biden administration’s pause on leasing public lands.

Leslie Beyer

In another appointment related to federal lands, Leslie Beyer, former CEO of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, was named Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior on February 3. If confirmed by the Senate, she’ll oversee agencies including the Bureau of Land Management.

Oil and gas leaders have expressed support for Beyers, pointing to her past leadership in the industry. Molly Determan, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, says, “Leslie’s unwavering commitment to the energy sector and her innate ability to bring stakeholders together will serve the Department of the Interior well.”

“Leslie has always been a strong advocate for the energy industry, and we have no doubt that she will continue to champion policies that unleash American energy,” Determan adds.

Tarpley concurred, saying, “Leslie’s experience and deep understanding of the energy services sector make her an excellent choice for this role.”

Other Nominations

Trump has selected Audrey Robertson to serve as the Department of Energy’s assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Robertson is a co-founder of Permian-based Franklin Mountain Energy and a former Goldman Sachs investment banker, as well as a board member of Liberty Energy, which Chris Wright founded.

Trump chose Paul Roberti, a Rhode Island lawyer and utility regulator, to serve as administrator of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Roberti served as PHMSA’s chief counsel during Trump’s first term in office.

Both nominees are awaiting Senate confirmation.