US energy secretary slams Biden’s ‘irrational’ climate policies

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has pledged to reset federal energy policy to favour fossil fuels, marking a major departure from the previous administration’s approach to climate change, AFP reported.

Addressing industry leaders at the Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) conference, Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticised the Biden administration’s policies, calling them "irrational quasi-religious" restrictions that burdened US citizens.

Wright highlighted the Trump administration’s swift action in reducing bureaucratic hurdles for oil projects and promoting liquefied natural gas exports. "The Trump administration will end the Biden administration’s irrational quasi-religious policies on climate change that imposed endless sacrifices on our citizens," he declared.

Since returning to power seven weeks ago, Trump has aggressively reshaped government policies, prioritising economic and energy concerns. His executive order, "Unleashing American Energy," signals a commitment to increasing domestic production and rolling back climate-focused incentives.

However, Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund dismissed Wright’s statements as “long on rhetoric,” urging the administration to shift from campaign-style speeches to concrete governance. Many industry players remain uncertain, given Trump’s unpredictable stance on tariffs and energy policy.

While some fear the administration may revoke key clean energy incentives, others believe Trump will avoid cancelling projects that provide jobs in conservative districts. Chevron CEO Mike Wirth cautioned against extreme policy swings, emphasising the need for long-term stability in the energy sector.

On trade, Wright downplayed concerns about tariffs, insisting Trump’s economic decisions were made with the country’s best interests in mind. While the administration may inherit renewable energy projects from Biden’s tenure, Wright assured that legal commitments would be upheld.

Outside the conference, protesters rallied against the industry’s environmental impact, reflecting the ongoing public debate over energy policy in the US.