New U.S. Energy Secretary Issues Order Prioritizing Energy Production Over Net-Zero Goals

The U.S. Department of Energy will shift its focus toward expanding domestic energy production rather than achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to an order issued on Wednesday by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Reuters reported.

The directive aims to align the department’s priorities with the energy agenda of President Donald Trump, who has long dismissed climate change concerns and emphasized maximizing oil and gas output to bolster the economy and strengthen national security.

"Net-zero policies raise energy costs for American families and businesses, threaten the reliability of our energy system, and undermine our energy and national security," the order reads. "Going forward, the Department's goal will be to unleash the great abundance of American energy required to power modern life and to achieve a durable state of American energy dominance."

The order highlights plans to accelerate energy permitting processes, improve grid resilience, expand nuclear energy capacity, and replenish the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. However, it provides no new details on how these initiatives will be implemented.

During his recent Senate confirmation hearing, Wright emphasized that his top priority would be boosting domestic energy production, particularly in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. "Increased fossil fuel production can help reduce poverty and bring energy security and prosperity," he said.

Wright, who previously served as CEO of Liberty Energy, was confirmed as Energy Secretary on February 3 by a Senate vote of 59-38. His appointment is widely seen as a move to advance Trump’s vision of American "energy dominance," which prioritizes traditional energy sources over green energy policies.

Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. had committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with clean energy subsidies and support for electric vehicles forming key components of his climate strategy. However, U.S. oil and gas production also hit record highs during Biden’s presidency, driven by rising global demand, technological advancements, and supply shocks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With Wright at the helm, the Energy Department is expected to reinforce traditional energy production as a cornerstone of the administration’s energy strategy, while efforts to meet net-zero targets will take a backseat.