Donald eyes oil billionaire, lawmaker for energy secretary

An oil billionaire, a North Dakota lawmaker and a former Bush administration official are being considered to run Donald Trump's Energy Department, according to transition planning documents obtained by a news agency.

The documents, which are being closely scrutinised by energy lobbyists in Washington, also outline early policy priorities for a Trump administration.

Topping the list is repealing the Clean Power Plan, an Obama administration effort to limit carbon pollution from power plants. The implementation is currently on hold awaiting a court ruling.

Those under consideration for energy secretary include Harold Hamm, an Oklahoma oil tycoon and leading proponent of fracking, and North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer, an early Trump supporter from a major oil drilling state. Venture capitalist Robert Grady, who worked in President George HW Bush's administration, is listed as a contender to lead both the Energy and Interior Departments.

It is unclear whether the list is exhaustive or has been reviewed by Trump. The Republican is in the early stages of setting up his administration, having named only his White House chief of staff and chief strategist thus far.

The Trump to-do list targets recent Obama administration efforts to reduce air and water pollution that have been opposed by Republicans and industries that profit from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, including the "waters of the United States" rule and ozone regulations.