U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has significantly increased his public presence in recent days, reflecting a period of heightened activity and policy moves by the Department of Energy. On May 2, Wright is scheduled to tour Rinnai America Corporation’s manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia, marking the milestone of President Trump’s first 100 days in office and emphasizing the administration’s focus on expanding American energy production. This visit follows a series of appearances and announcements that demonstrate a decisive shift in energy policy under the current leadership. Wright’s recent keynote address at the 43rd annual CERAWeek by S&P Global reinforced the administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where American energy is both affordable and reliable. He outlined strategic initiatives meant to back a broad mix of energy sources, including traditional fuels like coal and natural gas alongside nuclear and renewables, with the overarching goal of ensuring secure and abundant energy for American consumers. International cooperation has also been a recent priority for the Secretary. Wright made headlines during his visit to the Three Seas Business Forum in Warsaw, Poland, where he oversaw the signing of major development agreements between U.S. firms Westinghouse and Bechtel and Polish partners. These agreements signal a stronger U.S. presence in European energy markets, especially in the field of nuclear power technology. Additionally, Wright was prominent in Riyadh after the U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced a Memorandum of Understanding to advance collaboration in key energy sectors, further cementing the Department of Energy’s role in shaping global energy partnerships. Domestically, the Department of Energy has adopted a series of cost-saving reforms, including a new policy aimed at reducing inefficient spending by colleges and universities on research—an initiative projected to save $405 million annually. Furthermore, a new focus on critical minerals and rare earths has emerged, following recent executive orders intended to bolster U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness in key supply chains. Policy direction at the DOE has shifted in line with President Trump’s agenda and the broader vision of “unleashing American energy.” Wright’s first Secretarial Order, signed in February, mandated immediate action to expand energy exploration and production, reduce regulatory barriers, and enhance the nation’s role as a global energy leader. Liquefied natural gas exports are being prioritized, and there is a review of spending on clean energy initiatives as part of an overall streamlining of department operations. Another notable development is the DOE’s approach to global energy development, particularly in Africa. Wright recently declared that the U.S. would support energy projects of all types on the continent, avoiding technology-specific limits and focusing on large-scale projects that can deliver immediate benefits. This strategy aligns with the administration’s emphasis on practical solutions and private sector involvement to tackle energy poverty abroad. Amid these activities, there is rising debate over the influence of Project 2025, a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation advocating for deep regulatory cuts and department restructuring. Although not all its recommendations have been adopted, many recent DOE actions—such as downsizing and reprioritizing liquefied natural gas exports—mirror its proposals, igniting discussion about the balance of power between the White House, the Secretary of Energy, and other key players in shaping U.S. energy policy. In summary, the Secretary of Energy is at the forefront of an aggressive push to transform U.S. energy policy, both domestically and internationally, reflecting the Trump administration’s commitment to an “all of the above” strategy, regulatory reform, and expanded global partnerships.
