U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has swiftly embarked on a series of significant actions and announcements that align with President Trump’s executive orders to unleash American energy dominance.
Wright's first secretarial order, signed on February 5, 2025, directs the Department of Energy to take immediate action to expand energy production, reduce energy costs, and lead the world in innovation and technology breakthroughs. This order is part of a broader initiative to restore American energy dominance, both domestically and internationally. Wright emphasized the need to permit and build energy infrastructure, remove barriers to progress, and streamline the permitting process to facilitate energy projects[1][3][5].
A key focus of Wright's agenda is the modernization and expansion of nuclear power. He has vowed to "unleash commercial nuclear power in the U.S." and to enable the rapid deployment and export of next-generation nuclear technology. This includes supporting the development of small modular reactors, a technology in which Wright has experience through his previous role on the board of Oklo, a Silicon Valley-based developer of these reactors[1][3].
In addition to nuclear energy, Wright has also announced the resumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits, ending a pause that was in place during the Biden administration. This move is aimed at increasing U.S. energy exports to countries without a free trade agreement with the United States. The Department of Energy has also returned to regular order regarding LNG exports, a decision that is expected to bolster the country's energy security and global influence[2][3].
Wright's stance on climate change has been a subject of controversy. While acknowledging that climate change is real, he has criticized the political use of the term and argued that policies aimed at reducing climate change impacts are often misguided and alarmist. He has also questioned the effectiveness of net-zero carbon policies, suggesting they raise energy costs and undermine energy and national security without significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions[1][3][4].
The new Energy Secretary has also been involved in other significant engagements, including a meeting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan at the Department of Energy’s headquarters. Furthermore, Wright has announced key appointments to the Department’s senior leadership team, naming experienced professionals to advance President Trump’s energy agenda[2].
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 of all forms of American-made energy, promote domestic energy production, and enhance energy security[1].
Wright's background as the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, a company specializing in fracking, has influenced his approach to energy policy. He has been a strong advocate for expanding oil and gas production and has criticized previous climate policies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission's rule requiring companies to disclose climate-related risks. His leadership at the Department of Energy is expected to reflect these priorities, with a focus on increasing energy production, reducing costs, and promoting technological innovation in the energy sector[1][3][4].
