In brief
Wright's speech promises a significant rollback on climate policies, favoring natural gas and oil production.
March 10, 2025, 2:14 p.m. ET — In a striking address delivered to a gathering of oil and gas executives in Houston, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized the Biden administration’s energy strategies, vowing to pivot sharply towards fossil fuels. A former fracking executive, Wright positioned himself as a strong advocate for President Trump’s agenda to enhance American oil and gas production while dismantling federal regulations aimed at addressing climate change.“The previous administration’s policy was focused myopically on climate change, with people as simply collateral damage,” Wright declared at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference, which marks the largest annual meeting of the energy sector. His remarks drew applause, significantly contrasting with the previous year's speech by Jennifer Granholm, who had emphasized a transition to renewable energy sources.Wright underscored his belief that natural gas is vital for the energy mix, pointing out that it currently accounts for 25% of global energy supply, compared to only 3% from wind and solar. He argued against the feasibility of replacing natural gas with renewables, citing its diverse applications, such as heating and chemical production. He stated, “Beyond the obvious scale and cost problems, there is simply no physical way wind, solar and batteries could replace the myriad uses of natural gas.” The energy secretary's remarks signal a renewed commitment to fossil fuels and the potential abandonment of strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, reshaping the landscape of U.S. energy policy moving forward.
