U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate with a vote of 59–38, has swiftly outlined his priorities and plans for the Department of Energy. Wright, who was confirmed on February 7, 2025, and is President Trump's pick for the role, has vowed to “unleash American Energy” in line with President Trump’s executive orders.
In his first secretarial order, Wright directed the Department of Energy to take immediate action to review all agency actions that potentially burden the development of domestic energy resources, including nuclear energy. This order is part of a broader initiative titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which aims to expand energy production, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and accelerate innovation and technology breakthroughs.
Wright emphasized the need to modernize nuclear power and streamline the permitting process to remove undue burdens on American energy projects. His priorities include supporting American energy innovation, unleashing commercial nuclear power in the U.S., strengthening grid reliability and security, and eliminating federal policies that hinder project completion.
Before taking office, Wright was the founder and chief executive of Liberty Energy, a company specializing in fracking, and he also served on the board of directors for Oklo, a developer of small modular reactors. His background and past roles have drawn attention, particularly his stance on climate change. During his Senate hearing, Wright acknowledged that climate change is real but distinguished between the scientific understanding of climate change and its political usage.
In parallel to Wright's new role, U.S. Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tennessee) and Marc Veasey (D-Texas) have 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.
Wright's approach to energy policy is marked by a focus on reducing regulatory barriers and promoting a diverse energy mix. He has argued that there is no such thing as "clean energy" and "dirty energy," highlighting the trade-offs associated with different energy sources. As the new Secretary of Energy, Wright is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's energy landscape in accordance with President Trump’s vision for American energy dominance.