Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fracking executive, has made it clear that the Trump administration is prioritizing fossil fuel expansion over climate action. Speaking at the annual Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) conference in Houston, Texas, Wright stated, “We are unabashedly pursuing a policy of more American energy production and infrastructure, not less.” He criticized the Biden administration’s focus on climate change, calling it “irrational” and “quasi-religious.”
Wright’s remarks underscore a significant policy shift from the previous administration, which had pushed for renewable energy investments. Under Biden, domestic oil and gas production had already soared to record levels, but Wright argued that Biden’s policies had placed unnecessary burdens on American consumers. He claimed that under Biden, “expensive energy or climate policies” had harmed US citizens by increasing costs while failing to address global energy needs.
Energy Expansion and Industry Influence
At the CERAWeek conference, attended by top executives from oil and gas giants like Chevron, Exxon, and Occidental Petroleum, Wright emphasized the administration’s “all-of-the-above” approach to energy. He rejected the idea that renewables could fully replace fossil fuels, arguing, “There is no physical way solar, wind, and batteries could replace the myriad uses of gas.” Experts in the field strongly contest this claim, citing rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies.
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Wright also framed energy access as a humanitarian issue, pointing out that while Americans consume an average of 13 barrels of oil per person per year, much of the world uses far less. “Africans average less than one barrel,” he said, adding that developing nations need more fossil fuels, not less. At the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., just days before, Wright had dismissed calls for Africa to transition away from coal, calling such efforts “100% nonsense.”
The Trump administration has already begun implementing its pro-fossil fuel agenda. On his first day in office, Trump signed the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, aimed at rolling back climate regulations and expanding oil and gas production. Wright announced at the conference that the administration had extended a permit for Delfin, a floating liquefied natural gas project off the coast of Louisiana.
Fossil Fuel Lobby and Political Ties
Wright’s ties to the fossil fuel industry run deep. Before joining the Trump administration, he spent 13 years leading Liberty Energy, an oil and gas company. His appointment as energy secretary was widely seen as a signal that Trump intended to align his policies with industry interests.
Trump’s close relationship with the fossil fuel sector has been a defining feature of his administration. During his 2024 campaign, he secured record-breaking donations from oil and gas executives. Reports indicate that during a private meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump asked industry leaders for $1 billion in exchange for rolling back climate regulations. This transactional relationship has raised concerns among environmental groups about the extent of corporate influence on policy decisions.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, speaking at CERAWeek, warned against extreme policy swings, stating that the energy industry requires long-term stability. However, Wright sought to downplay concerns, arguing that Trump’s approach would ultimately strengthen the economy.
Backlash from Climate Advocates
Wright’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from climate activists and environmental experts. Mohamed Adow, director of the Nairobi-based think tank Power Shift Africa, condemned the energy secretary’s remarks. “One of the transformations caused by American fossil fuels was destroying our previously well-balanced climate and plunging some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa into a life dealing with extreme weather and lost homes and livelihoods,” he said.
Ali Mohamed, chair of the African group of climate negotiators, argued that Africa has significant potential for renewable energy development but lacks investment. “The continent has the resources to expand clean energy, but the money is not being directed where it’s needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, climate activists gathered outside the CERAWeek venue, protesting the administration’s close ties with the fossil fuel industry. Advocacy group Oil Change International called Wright’s refusal to live-stream his speech a deliberate move to shield his remarks from public scrutiny. “As energy secretary, Chris Wright is supposed to serve the American people, not the fossil fuel industry,” said campaign manager Allie Rosenbluth.
Despite the backlash, Wright remains steadfast in his belief that increasing fossil fuel production is essential. “Everything in life involves trade-offs,” he said. “The Trump administration will treat climate change for what it is—a global physical phenomenon that is a side effect of building the modern world.”
With Trump’s policies firmly favoring fossil fuel interests, the debate over America’s energy future is set to intensify. Climate advocates warn that the administration’s approach could further delay the transition to cleaner energy, while industry leaders argue that boosting oil and gas production is necessary for economic growth. As Trump pushes forward with his energy agenda, the fight over climate policy is likely to remain a defining issue of his presidency.