U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate with a vote of 59–38, has swiftly embarked on a series of significant actions to align the Department of Energy (DOE) with President Trump’s energy agenda. Wright, formerly the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, a company specializing in fracking, and a board member of Oklo, a developer of small modular reactors, has brought his extensive energy industry experience to his new role.
In his first secretarial order, Wright directed the DOE to take immediate action to "unleash American Energy" in line with President Trump’s executive orders. This order emphasizes the need to expand energy production, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and lead the world in innovation and technology breakthroughs. Wright stressed the importance of accelerating the work of the DOE’s National Laboratories and streamlining the permitting process to remove barriers to energy infrastructure projects[1][3][5].
A key focus of Wright's strategy is the modernization and expansion of nuclear power. He has outlined plans to "unleash commercial nuclear power in the U.S." and to enable the rapid deployment and export of next-generation nuclear technology. This initiative is part of what Wright terms the "long-awaited American nuclear renaissance" during President Trump’s administration. The DOE will prioritize the development of affordable, reliable, and secure energy technologies, including advanced nuclear, alongside other sources like fossil fuels, geothermal, and hydropower[1][3][5].
Wright's stance on climate change has been a point of contention. While acknowledging that climate change is real, he distinguishes between the scientific understanding of climate change and its political usage. He argued that net-zero policies have raised energy costs, threatened energy system reliability, and undermined national security without significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions[1][3].
In addition to his domestic energy initiatives, Wright has also taken steps to boost U.S. energy exports. He joined President Trump in announcing a new export authorization for the Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. This move is part of a broader effort to resume U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas to countries without a free trade agreement with the USA and to replenish the country's strategic petroleum reserve[2][3].
Wright's leadership has been met with both praise and criticism. His background in the energy industry, particularly in fracking and nuclear energy, has been seen as a strength by some policymakers and industry leaders. However, his views on climate change and energy policy have raised concerns among environmental advocates and some lawmakers[1][3].
In parallel with Wright's initiatives, U.S. Representatives Chuck Fleischmann and Marc Veasey 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. The caucus reflects a growing bipartisan consensus on the importance of energy security and the need for cooperation across party lines to address global energy challenges[1].
