U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has signed a Secretarial Order aimed at advancing American energy initiatives in line with President Trump's executive orders. The order outlines several key actions to boost energy production and reduce costs, emphasizing the need for increased energy abundance and innovation.
In his statement, Secretary Wright highlighted the importance of energy in fostering health, wealth, and opportunity. He noted that President Trump is pushing an agenda to restore energy dominance by expanding production and reducing costs for American families and businesses.
The order sets forth multiple objectives, including advancing energy addition rather than subtraction, prioritizing American energy innovation, resuming consideration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export applications, promoting affordability in home appliances, refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), modernizing the nuclear stockpile, unleashing commercial nuclear power, strengthening grid reliability and security, and streamlining permitting processes.
"The Department’s goal will be to unleash the great abundance of American energy required to power modern life," stated Secretary Wright. He also emphasized that "the Department’s R&D efforts will prioritize affordable, reliable, and secure energy technologies."
The plan includes a comprehensive review of the Department's research and development portfolio to ensure taxpayer resources are used effectively. This includes enforcing project milestones rigorously. On LNG exports, Wright pointed out that "proper consideration of LNG export applications is required by law."
Wright reiterated the administration's commitment to ensuring consumer choice in home appliances while conducting a cost-benefit analysis of DOE standards. Additionally, he stressed the need for modernization within America's nuclear weapons systems as well as fortifying the nation's electric grid under President Trump's Executive Order on declaring a national energy emergency.
"The Department will identify and exercise its legal authorities to expedite approval and construction of reliable energy infrastructure," said Wright regarding streamlining permitting processes.
The Secretarial Order underscores the Department's mission to enhance American security and prosperity through accelerated science advancements and reduced energy costs.
