Colorado's U.S. senators back Trump's energy pick

Driving the news: Wright's nomination survived a key hurdle Thursday in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a 15-5 vote in favor.

• His nomination now goes to the GOP-led Senate, where he is expected to be confirmed.

The big picture: The vote in favor of Wright and the 18-2 vote for Interior nominee Doug Burgum signal a willingness among Democrats to work with the Trump administration on its energy agenda, Axios Pro's Daniel Moore reports.

Zoom in: Despite their push for urgent action on climate change, Bennet and Hickenlooper are supporters of Colorado's natural gas extraction industry.

• Environmentalists consider those positions contradictory and urged a vote against Wright for his previous comments questioning climate change.

What they're saying: Colorado's two U.S. senators publicly shared their support in statements that praised Wright's work as a scientist and entrepreneur but also indicated they don't agree with all of his positions.

• Bennet touted Wright's "deep expertise in energy innovation and technology" and desire for America's energy independence.

• Hickenlooper, who sits on the Senate's energy committee and faces reelection in 2026, asserted Wright "believes in science and supports the research that will deliver … affordable, reliable and clean energy."

The other side: The League of Conservation Voters, a leading environmental group, wrote a letter urging senators to oppose Wright because his "clear conflicts of interest, dismissal of critical climate science and impacts, and lack of government experience render him unfit to serve."