Energy Secretary Chris Wright Vows to Reverse Biden’s Climate Agenda
Wright calls for fossil fuel dominance and says renewables can’t replace natural gas.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright vowed to reverse the Biden administration’s climate policies, calling for a “180-degree pivot” back to fossil fuels. Speaking at CERAWeek, an energy industry conference, Wright criticized Biden’s focus on climate change, stating “The previous administration’s policy was focused myopically on climate change, with people as simply collateral damage.” (NYT)
Wright, a former fracking executive, has become one of the Trump administration’s most vocal advocates for expanding oil and gas development. His speech marked a sharp departure from last year’s CERAWeek, when Biden’s Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, told the same crowd that the clean energy transition was unstoppable.
Fossil Fuels at the Center of U.S. Energy Policy
Wright argued that fossil fuels are essential for modern life and economic development, especially in poorer nations. He framed his case in moral terms, saying that affordable energy—including coal—is key to alleviating global poverty.
“We have indeed raised global atmospheric CO2 concentration by 50 percent in the process of more than doubling human life expectancy, lifting almost all of the world’s citizens out of grinding poverty, launching modern medicine,” he said Monday. “Everything in life involves trade-offs.” (NYT)
He also criticized Biden-era limits on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. On Monday, Wright signed the fourth export approval since January, authorizing the Delfin LNG terminal off Louisiana’s coast. (Reuters)
Wind and Solar Face Setbacks
Wright argued that expanding wind and solar power has driven up energy costs in places like California and Germany. He pointed to solar’s land-use demands, reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains for key materials, and challenges with energy storage due to intermittent production.
As for wind power, Wright says “Wind has been singled out because it’s had a singularly poor record of driving up prices and getting increasing citizen outrage.” (NYT)
Critics Warn of Climate Risks
Wright’s comments sparked backlash from environmental advocates and clean energy supporters. Critics argue that abandoning emissions targets and cutting support for wind and solar will worsen climate risks, including extreme weather and rising costs for future generations.
Allie Rosenbluth, campaign manager at Oil Change International, stated: “As energy secretary, Chris Wright is supposed to serve the American people, not the fossil fuel industry. It’s unacceptable, though not surprising, that this former fracking CEO is depriving the public of the chance to see what he’s saying to fossil fuel executives.” (The Guardian)
John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, told conference attendees that renewable power is “cheaper and available now,” warning that slowing the transition would increase energy prices and delay progress. (NYT)
As the debate over America’s energy future intensifies, supporters argue Wright’s strategy will ensure affordable energy and economic growth, while critics warn it risks deepening the climate crisis—what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.