The US Senate is set to hold critical confirmation hearings next week for three key nominees selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead his energy and environment team. The hearings are part of the administration’s swift push to prioritize its ambitious "drill, baby, drill" agenda, signalling its commitment to expanding energy production and shaping environmental policy in line with Trump’s goals.

First up, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, nominated to serve as Secretary of the Interior, will appear before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Burgum, a Republican, is expected to face questions about his stance on public land management, resource extraction, and his views on national parks and conservation. Given his track record in North Dakota, where energy development has played a major role in the state’s economy, Burgum’s confirmation appears to be smooth, despite concerns from environmental groups over his stance on public land protections.

The following day, Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, will undergo questioning by the Senate Energy Committee for his nomination as Secretary of Energy. Wright, an experienced figure in the oil and gas industry, is likely to be scrutinized for his approach to managing the country’s energy policies, including his plans to oversee the Department of Energy’s role in fossil fuel development, renewables, and energy infrastructure. With his strong ties to the energy sector, Wright is expected to advocate for policies that Favor expanded domestic production, including natural gas and oil, while advancing technological innovation in energy.

Additionally, former New York Representative Lee Zeldin, nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will appear before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Zeldin’s nomination comes amid Trump’s push to scale back environmental regulations, which has sparked debate across the political spectrum. His confirmation hearing will likely centre on his views regarding climate change policy, air and water quality standards, and the future of the EPA’s role in regulating emissions. While Zeldin’s background in government service and his alignment with Trump’s environmental policies position him for a relatively quick confirmation, his stance on the EPA’s regulatory oversight may be contested by Democrats who advocate for stronger environmental protections.

Despite the potential for some contention, the Senate is expected to confirm Trump’s energy and environment nominees without significant delay. Given the overall alignment of the nominees with Trump’s deregulatory agenda, they are likely to enjoy broad support, including from some Democratic senators seeking to position themselves favourably considering the country’s evolving energy landscape. As these hearings unfold, all eyes will be on the Senate’s response to the administration’s energy and environmental policies, which could shape the nation’s regulatory future for years to come.