Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed a major shift in U.S. energy policy, announcing plans to redirect $15 billion away from Green New Deal programs and renew focus on fossil fuels and nuclear energy in his House testimony on the Department of Energy’s 2026 budget request.
At a Glance
- Secretary Wright testified before the House Energy Subcommittee on the DOE’s FY2026 budget, which aligns with President Trump’s goal of restoring American energy dominance
- The budget redirects over $15 billion away from programs deemed inefficient, particularly those associated with the Green New Deal
- DOE has terminated 24 projects totaling over $3.7 billion to eliminate wasteful spending
- The administration is prioritizing coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy while resuming LNG export permits
- Plans include replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and reducing home efficiency regulations to lower costs
Trump Administration’s Energy Reset
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s testimony before the House Energy Subcommittee signaled a dramatic reversal of energy priorities under the Trump administration. The Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2026 budget request reflects President Trump’s directive to restore American energy dominance while significantly cutting federal spending. Secretary Wright outlined how the department would redirect over $15 billion away from programs deemed inefficient, particularly those connected to Green New Deal initiatives, toward priorities that strengthen national security and ensure reliable energy supplies for American consumers and businesses.
The department has already begun this shift by conducting a comprehensive review of financial assistance programs to eliminate wasteful spending. This review has resulted in the termination of 24 projects, representing over $3.7 billion in funding. Secretary Wright emphasized that these cuts are not arbitrary but rather targeted at programs that fail to deliver meaningful returns on taxpayer investment. The administration’s approach prioritizes energy sources that are affordable, reliable, and secure – qualities that the Secretary suggested were overlooked in previous budget allocations.
Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Prioritized
In stark contrast to previous energy policies, Secretary Wright confirmed the administration’s commitment to leveraging coal, oil, and natural gas as cornerstones of America’s energy strategy. The budget reflects investments in these traditional energy sources while also advancing nuclear energy innovation, including the development of small modular reactors. The Department has also resumed issuing permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which had been paused under the previous administration. These actions align with what Wright described as an “all-of-the-above” energy approach that emphasizes American energy independence.
The budget prioritizes research and development through the Department’s National Laboratories, focusing on maintaining global competitiveness in critical energy technologies. Secretary Wright highlighted the importance of modernizing the nation’s nuclear weapons system, with significant funding allocated for critical upgrades to ensure national security. Additionally, the Department is leveraging its high-performance computing capabilities to advance artificial intelligence innovations, which Wright suggested could enhance energy efficiency and grid reliability without burdensome regulations.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Regulatory Relief
Among the key initiatives outlined in the budget is a plan to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which was significantly depleted during the previous administration. Secretary Wright emphasized the importance of maintaining this energy security buffer for national emergencies and market stabilization. The budget also includes provisions to reduce home efficiency regulations, which the Secretary argued would lower costs for American consumers without sacrificing actual energy efficiency improvements that make economic sense in the marketplace.
Committee members questioned Secretary Wright on several aspects of the budget, with Republican members generally supportive of the return to fossil fuels and nuclear energy, while Democratic members expressed concerns about cuts to renewable energy programs. When pressed about the impact of these cuts on electricity prices and climate initiatives, Wright maintained that the administration’s approach would ultimately lead to more affordable energy for Americans while still allowing for innovation in cleaner technologies driven by market demands rather than government subsidies.