Scientists Condemn DOE Climate Report as 85+ Experts Allege Bias Under Secretary Wright

Washington, D.C. – A controversial climate report released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Secretary Chris Wright has drawn sharp criticism from the scientific community, with over 85 climate experts issuing a scathing review. The backlash has prompted public commentary, including a pointed remark from venture capitalist Bilal Zuberi, who stated on social media, > "Ignorance is not a virtue. Certainly not in a Secretary of Energy."

The criticism centers on a DOE document, released in July, authored by five individuals described by critics as "hand-picked climate contrarians." Scientists contend the report contains "pervasive problems with misrepresentation and selective citation of the scientific literature," arguing it downplays the severity of the climate crisis. Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist at Texas A&M University, asserted the report "makes a mockery of science."

Bilal Zuberi, a venture capitalist with a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), brings a background in deep-tech investments and a focus on technically ambitious solutions, including in the climate sector. His public statement reflects a broader concern among those who advocate for science-driven policy. Zuberi, a partner at Lux Capital, is known for his thoughtful commentary on the intersection of technology, ethics, and public policy.

Secretary Chris Wright, appointed to his role in February 2025 under the Trump administration, previously served as CEO of Liberty Energy, a prominent hydraulic fracturing company. Wright has publicly stated that "there is no climate crisis" and has been a vocal critic of climate movement initiatives, aligning with the report's controversial stance. His department's spokesperson, Ben Dietderich, maintained that the Trump administration is "committed to engaging in a more thoughtful and science-based conversation about climate change and energy."

The scientific community's review highlights that the DOE report was created without traditional peer review processes and appears designed to support the administration's efforts to roll back climate regulations, notably the "endangerment finding" that underpins many U.S. policies on greenhouse gas emissions. The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Defense Fund have reportedly filed a lawsuit, alleging the report was secretly arranged with authors of a single viewpoint, violating legal requirements for balanced perspectives.