In brief
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright delivered a controversial speech at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, advocating for a significant departure from previous energy policies by emphasizing reliance on natural gas over renewable sources.
March 10, 2025, 2:14 p.m. ET – U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright took the stage at the CERAWeek conference, resonating with oil and gas executives by challenging the Biden administration’s focus on climate change. Wright, a former fracking executive, proclaimed the need for a “180 degree pivot” in U.S. energy policy. In his speech, he voiced strong disapproval of past policies that prioritized climate change action, arguing they resulted in collateral damage to the economy and energy sector.“There has been a very poor direction in energy policy,” Wright stated, receiving raucous applause as he described renewable energy as insufficient to meet various energy needs. Previously, energy secretary Jennifer Granholm supported a clean-energy transition, highlighting the growth of renewable sources. In stark contrast, Wright downplayed their impact, asserting that natural gas remains vital, providing a significant proportion of global energy—25 percent—against just 3 percent from wind and solar combined. He emphasized the versatility of natural gas in applications beyond power generation, such as heating and fertilizer production, which renewables cannot efficiently replicate.Wright’s remarks signify a clear endorsement of President Trump’s policy of expanding fossil fuel production, marking a shift in U.S. energy priorities.
