Houston, TX – U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright delivered a keynote address at the 43rd annual CERAWeek by S&P Global, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to expanding affordable, reliable, and secure energy production in the United States. Wright highlighted key policy shifts aimed at increasing domestic energy output, reducing costs for consumers, and reversing the previous administration’s climate-focused energy policies.
A Shift in Energy Priorities
In his address, Secretary Wright asserted that energy is not merely a sector of the economy but the foundation of modern life. He criticized past policies that prioritized climate concerns over economic and energy security, arguing that they had led to higher costs, reduced reliability, and job losses.
“Energy is life. It enables every sector of our economy,” Wright stated. “We are reversing policies that made energy more expensive and less reliable. Our goal is to re-industrialize America, not de-industrialize it.”
Revitalizing the U.S. Energy Sector
Wright outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the Trump administration to support American energy production:
- Expanding LNG Exports: The administration lifted restrictions on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) export permits, ensuring continued U.S. leadership in the global energy market.
- Supporting Nuclear Energy: A renewed focus on nuclear power, including fusion research, is expected to drive innovation and energy security.
- Rolling Back Costly Regulations: The Department of Energy is reversing mandates on appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and electric vehicle (EV) mandates, which Wright described as “raising costs and reducing consumer choice.”
- Lowering Energy Costs for Americans: The administration aims to prevent further electricity price hikes, which have surged over 20% in the past four years, despite only a 2% increase in demand.
Defending Fossil Fuels
Wright also defended natural gas, calling it essential for global food production, home heating, and industrial processes. He dismissed the idea that wind and solar energy could replace fossil fuels on a large scale, citing their high costs and grid instability.
“Natural gas is responsible for 43% of U.S. electricity and nearly half of the world’s food production, thanks to its role in nitrogen-based fertilizers. The idea that renewables will replace it anytime soon is simply unrealistic,” Wright argued.
Global Energy Access and the Future of AI
Wright also stressed the importance of energy access for billions of people worldwide. “While developed nations consume 13 barrels of oil per person per year, over 2 billion people still cook using wood, leading to millions of deaths from indoor air pollution annually,” he noted.
Additionally, Wright emphasized the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, which he described as “critical to U.S. economic and national security.”
“AI is an energy-intensive industry. The more energy invested, the more intelligence produced. If we don’t expand our energy capacity, we risk falling behind in the AI revolution,” he warned.
A Call for Common-Sense Energy Policies
Secretary Wright concluded his speech with a call for rational, scientific, and economically sound energy policies. He criticized past climate policies as “politically driven” and pledged that the Trump administration would focus on practical solutions that benefit American workers and families.
“We are at a pivotal moment for human progress. If we remove bureaucratic barriers and unleash innovation, we can secure America’s energy future while improving lives worldwide,” he said.
The speech marks a significant policy shift as the administration pushes for increased energy production, lower costs, and greater energy independence for the U.S. and its allies.
