Wright Issues First Order as Energy Secretary
On February 5th, newly confirmed Secretary of the Department of Energy Chris Wright signed his first Secretarial Order, titled “Unleashing the Golden Era of American Energy Dominance.” Secretary Wright’s order focuses on several themes that President Trump has outlined in his energy agenda: expanding production, reducing energy costs for American families and businesses, accelerating technological innovation and removing onerous barriers to infrastructure projects.
A major aim of the Trump administration will be supporting and encouraging American innovation. As Secretary Wright puts it, the Energy “Department’s Research and Development (R&D) enterprise is the envy of the world,” and therefore, resources and time should be prioritized towards “affordable, reliable and secure” energy technologies such as oil and gas, nuclear, geothermal and hydropower. It is encouraging to see the Department of Energy commit to reviewing its R&D portfolio to ensure taxpayer funds are allocated in a cost-effective and appropriate manner in order to facilitate technological breakthroughs in the energy space.
Secretary Wright also made a few changes to DOE’s operations in his first order. His department has resumed consideration of pending liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits, reversing a Biden-era decision to pause the reviews. Additionally, the DOE will evaluate the department’s “appliance standards program,” advancing a Trump administration priority to promote consumer choice, allowing Americans to choose from a number of different products.
Perhaps most importantly, Secretary Wright’s order sets our priorities for strengthening our electrical grids’ reliability and security by increasing baseload power and dispatchable generation. Similarly, the department is evaluating avenues to streamline permitting and identify onerous regulations that have hamstrung infrastructure projects. This effort will help fortify our grid and provide significant investment in different aspects of the energy supply chain. Supporting energy infrastructure, promoting consumer choice, and effectively deploying the department’s research and development arm will be boons for Americans, and our energy sector.