U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has swiftly outlined his priorities and plans for the Department of Energy (DOE). In his first executive order, issued on February 7, 2025, Wright emphasized the need to "unleash American Energy" in line with President Trump’s executive orders.
Wright's vision includes a strong focus on modernizing nuclear power and streamlining energy policies. He aims to "unleash commercial nuclear power in the U.S." and accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to restore American energy dominance, which involves expanding energy production, reducing energy costs, and leading the world in innovation and technology breakthroughs[1][3].
One of the key actions outlined by Wright is to support American energy innovation, particularly through the DOE's National Laboratories. He stressed the importance of advancing basic science, strengthening the reliability of the energy system, and bolstering manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain security. The DOE's Research and Development efforts will prioritize affordable, reliable, and secure energy technologies, including fossil fuels, advanced nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower, as well as cutting-edge technologies like fusion, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence[3].
Wright also highlighted the need to remove barriers to energy development, including federal policies that hinder project completion. He plans to streamline permitting processes and eliminate undue burdens on American energy projects. This approach is designed to enhance grid reliability and security, critical components of the nation's energy infrastructure[1][3].
Before assuming his role as Energy Secretary, Wright was the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, a company specializing in fracking, and served on the board of directors for Oklo, a developer of small modular reactors. His background in the energy sector has been a subject of discussion, particularly given his controversial stance on climate change. During his Senate hearing, Wright acknowledged the reality of climate change but distinguished between the scientific aspect and its political use, suggesting that some climate policies may not be effective in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions[1].
In parallel with Wright's new role, U.S. Representatives Chuck Fleischmann and Marc Veasey launched the bipartisan American Energy Dominance Caucus. This caucus aims to raise awareness about all forms of American-made energy, promote domestic energy production, and enhance energy security[1].
Wright's executive order also addresses other critical energy issues, such as resuming U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas to countries without a free trade agreement and replenishing the strategic petroleum reserve. These actions reflect a comprehensive approach to ensuring energy security and dominance, aligning with President Trump’s broader energy policy agenda[3].
