Trump's energy team set for confirmation hearings next week

The trio of nominees tapped to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s energy and environment team will get confirmation hearings next week before the Senate, demonstrating the high priority his new administration is putting on implementing its “drill, baby, drill" agenda.

North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s Interior secretary nominee, will go before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 14, according to Democratic staff with knowledge of the process.

The Energy Committee will hold a hearing for Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright, nominated to be secretary of Energy, on Jan. 15, the people said.

And the Environment and Public Works Committee is holding a hearing for former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

While some of Trump’s Cabinet picks have generated controversy, his top energy and environment nominees so far look like they will be easily confirmed by the Senate — and may even garner a few Democratic votes.