The Senate confirms fossil fuel executive Chris Wright, one of the industry's loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change, as U.S. Energy secretary.

The former fracking executive said in confirmation hearings that his top priority would be to “unleash” American energy production.

The Senate confirmed Chris Wright, the head of fracking company Liberty Energy, as energy secretary in an 59-38 vote on Monday with eight senators who caucus with Democrats joining Republicans in clearing his nomination to lead the department.