[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6384394,"mediaKeyId","2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f","parentId",2122668,"title","Senate Energy Committee hears Chris Wright; nominee vows to \"unleash American energy,\" back national labs and grid investments","audioSeconds",7295,"startMs",0,"endMs",7295000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f&start=0&end=7295","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6384394/Senate-Energy-Committee-hears-Chris-Wright-nominee-vows-to-unleash-American-energy-back-national-labs-and-grid-investments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6384394-51d43d23dc86f542d3f068ae48be4045/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370514&Signature=aCX68DAXbwP3EFsVeJrxWet-2WwXBxNUkob64HWN70bV6EoQlozbY36dQ7T9busJD3zeO1O28fEyfJ7E3x5aFMzHZWYXLIVcpYZq3vjExa3X~OkoTb6VF4AlHRjnxiK4GaVSDbDcRmGoja2hKdTGQ-OnF7yrGPxUkvUjpbJnAfOZGymqsy0e8QHPnwIcbTKU0~yD22K5-WD5APCkHiLH3xVQ3-DgHqfT1xCVqzkO3~d5RLeYylshi1-W5oIE6c5TdeLpTwqsUFSQhT3BClY~pyPCKZvFJRi6K9WtaUu1RlGU9kxo7gEAM6Ik1Pklfls8dSVPXvy-sz3fsBJuhgB5wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources","date","2025-01-15T18:03:16Z","article","Senator Mike Lee, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, opened the first hearing of the 119th Congress by introducing Chris Wright as the nominee for secretary of energy and stressing the \"privilege\" and urgency of the moment in U.S. energy policy.

The hearing's central question was how Wright, a longtime energy entrepreneur, would balance expanding domestic energy supply, protecting national security missions carried out by the Department of Energy's laboratories, and enforcing ethical and legal standards if confirmed. Wright described himself as a \"science geek, turned tech nerd, turned lifelong energy entrepreneur\" and said he would work to \"unleash American energy at home and abroad\" while accelerating research and rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Why it matters: The Department of Energy oversees a broad portfolio that includes the national laboratory system, the National Nuclear Security Administration and programs aimed at building transmission, enabling advanced energy technologies and financing clean‑energy projects. Committee members of both parties pressed Wright on his plans for the labs, grid investment, nuclear fuel and waste, and whether he would follow legal and ethical obligations.

Wright told senators he would champion the labs and research programs, saying the lab network is \"a key part of actually America winning that war and securing a post war peace\" in reference to their historic role. He pledged to \"inspire people in the department and in the labs\" to focus on affordable, reliable and secure energy.

On transparency and conflicts of interest, Wright said he had submitted public disclosures and that \"the appropriate ethics people have reviewed my investments, my personal holdings, and other interests,\" and that he would ‘‘take all the appropriate action to avoid any real conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest.’’ He also agreed to meet members and said he would make himself available to appear before the committee and other congressional panels.

Wright told the committee he would prioritize three immediate tasks if confirmed: expanding U.S. energy production, accelerating innovation at the national labs and removing regulatory barriers to projects. He repeatedly framed energy as central to economic and national security and said the department should help lower costs and improve reliability.

On specific items raised by senators, Wright offered a series of commitments: to engage immediately with the inspector general's concerns about the Loan Programs Office; to support nuclear security and work to rebuild domestic uranium and plutonium pit capabilities; to support transmission and other grid investments that improve reliability; and to continue DOE research and publication practices, saying the scientific process \"has been a key driver\" of progress.

Several senators questioned Wright about social media posts and public statements on climate and wildfires; Wright said \"climate change is a real and global phenomenon\" while also reiterating his emphasis on expanding energy supply and accelerating technologies that reduce emissions.

The committee left the record open to receive additional questions for the record, and senators signaled a range of follow‑up inquiries on ethics, the loan programs, nuclear fuel and domestic critical minerals.

Looking ahead: Committee members said they will examine Wright's financial and ethics disclosures and the department's role in multiple programs if he advances to a full Senate confirmation vote. The witness list and the range of questions underscored the breadth of DOE's remit — from lab science to grid permits to nuclear stockpile stewardship — and the different expectations senators have for balancing those missions.

Ending: Wright closed by thanking the committee and restating that \"energy is the infrastructure of life,\" saying he would work with senators to pursue affordability, reliability and innovation if confirmed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Chris Wright to be Secretary of Energy","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Mike Lee, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, opened the first hearing of the 119th Congress by introducing Chris Wright as the nominee for secretary of energy and stressing the \"privilege\" and urgency of the moment in U.S. energy policy.","taxTitle","Energy and Natural Resources: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1991,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":44,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6384375,"Wright endorses geothermal, SMRs and critical‑minerals development; senators press on scale, permits and Alaska/Arkansas resources",6790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f&start=6790&end=6790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f/thumbnail_6790000.jpg","/articles/6384375/Wright-endorses-geothermal-SMRs-and-criticalminerals-development-senators-press-on-scale-permits-and-AlaskaArkansas-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6384375-4f4e24ae57acf6e87022047ac747a478/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370514&Signature=gydHB-sE2SxozmVGMxC8I9qQll9nT8ZAk4xvbLnqM33P~xLSqQWRYRvUcJ3UCK4svUWmmtBi6PmOT5DESIDOzuhcz~in6P1XXLUXx79iuIn6XMrjaZcaONDrypTqeF-vSwpgR3FsLapinEaW6qTCo76CvoRxvivcT1TYa5i12kBt8ixfUytfXnjqcLKOTsnbiLUQcxysOmnDMAkYlFhRqNxGJ61Tu69e0Pi7GcCJvUB1Sk3aeuqxYN-tHDICUedw3Clmx8cAGdQoJhz9LRhYnYFcxHfhCTohySIetm2qVxPc2qWnrWKCOQ6VGkEA3XSmGuuvid2hTLCEnWyaBCW4wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators used Chris Wright's confirmation hearing to press for federal actions that would accelerate specific clean‑energy technologies and domestic resource development.

Geothermal: Wright described \"hot dry rock\" and next‑generation geothermal as a large untapped resource, saying it could provide high‑temperature heat and baseload power. He cited projects that could grow rapidly if transmission and permitting barriers were addressed and committed to champion geothermal if confirmed.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear: Wright said DOE can play an \"enabling role\" by offering research, facilities and communication support. He noted Liberty Energy’s and other firms’ involvement with SMR firms and said DOE land and lab assets can help demonstrations — Wright also pledged to sever personal ties to specific companies if confirmed and to champion all promising technologies.

Critical minerals and natural gas infrastructure: Senators from Arkansas and Alaska asked Wright to support development of lithium and other domestic mineral resources and to help implement a congressionally authorized loan guarantee to build an Alaska gas line. Wright agreed he would work with delegations and called domestic critical minerals and energy infrastructure priorities.

Transmission and permitting: Multiple senators tied technology scale‑up to permitting and transmission reform. Wright said accelerating build‑out of transmission and reducing barriers to on‑site manufacturing will be central to lowering energy costs and deploying technologies at scale.

Why it matters: Geothermal, advanced nuclear and domestic critical minerals are central to several senators' economic and climate priorities. Federal support and permitting reforms are seen by senators as necessary to convert early‑stage demonstrations into commercial deployments.

Ending: Wright said he would visit key sites including national labs and pledged to work with members to scale technologies and resolve supply‑chain and permitting bottlenecks.","Nominee Chris Wright told the committee he supports geothermal expansion, small modular reactors and domestic critical‑minerals development, and he pledged to help clear policy and permitting barriers; senators from Alaska, Arkansas and Arizona pressed for federal assistance to scale projects and protect jobs.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6384380,"Committee presses nominee on Hanford cleanup, NNSA funding and nuclear fuel security; Wright backs U.S. production and cleanup commitments",928,5312000,6240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f&start=5312&end=6240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f/thumbnail_5312000.jpg","/articles/6384380/Committee-presses-nominee-on-Hanford-cleanup-NNSA-funding-and-nuclear-fuel-security-Wright-backs-US-production-and-cleanup-commitments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6384380-0a53af03c75d67ccb5f52c01446b690e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370514&Signature=DQhGq0jf6QK4SLJ4XbLQSKV8KQxqZ-tt6tzoNuLhhPLSJidMI07lvDSQ8pGsd2EktYzmk3qSBGFkG9X3JZg4jN7ewcxHw5U0Mz8yoxgmJZEbJZaoqnt2tMU-rNWzn4X3CU5v9yoORyAd1UwNg1J-xxB2h0aqsooC9eGYISG8fiTyiTmZ1Um7kPuoAB1bdydpGzUCSfJ8iOwsHGnXMQ27Go0aeUH9sLRKrBr7JL6VJIvbamrgTvQw-zf~dC77adrV-hiB9dkqJZfSe1su5MBNUcE3UFkOT6afhaXbOBga6Q4UIc4em-IlCHcWhWBA6aEPjotHRgjW7YuW3OVBwTpaqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several senators used Chris Wright's confirmation hearing to probe DOE responsibilities tied to nuclear weapons stewardship, cleanup of Cold War waste and the nuclear fuel supply chain.

Senator Maria Cantwell pressed Wright to commit to the Tri‑Party Agreement obligations at Hanford and to advocate for budgets that meet cleanup schedules. Wright called Hanford cleanup \"critical\" and said he is \"firmly committed to continuing our obligations\" to finish the job and clean up legacy waste.

Senators Tom Cotton, John Barrasso and others emphasized the National Nuclear Security Administration's central role; Wright agreed that the NNSA and the national labs are the \"ultimate guarantor of our sovereignty\" and said he would press to rebuild U.S. enrichment and plutonium‑pit capacity.

On uranium imports and geopolitical supply chains, Senator John Barrasso asked whether waivers allowing imports from Russia or China should be narrow; Wright said such waivers should be \"very limited\" and that U.S. dependence on foreign enriched uranium is a \"sad state of affairs\" that must be addressed without forcing premature shutdowns of operating reactors.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto asked about Yucca Mountain and long‑term nuclear waste disposal; Wright said local buy‑in is essential and that he would work with senators to find acceptable long‑term disposal solutions.

Why it matters: DOE’s roles in nuclear cleanup, stockpile stewardship and fuel supply are central to national security and have long‑term budgetary and technical implications. Committee members pressed for concrete commitments on funding, supply chains and cleanup schedules.

Ending: Wright pledged to be a \"faithful partner\" to Congress on advanced reactor demonstrations and to ensure the NNSA receives resources to meet security obligations.","Senators questioned Chris Wright about the Department of Energy's nuclear responsibilities — from Hanford cleanup to plutonium pit production and uranium enrichment — and received assurances that he would support the National Nuclear Security Administration and uphold legal cleanup commitments.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6384385,"Senator Padilla presses Wright on social‑media posts about wildfires; nominee affirms climate change is real but stands by prior comments",85,4315000,4400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f&start=4315&end=4400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f/thumbnail_4315000.jpg","/articles/6384385/Senator-Padilla-presses-Wright-on-socialmedia-posts-about-wildfires-nominee-affirms-climate-change-is-real-but-stands-by-prior-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6384385-583840ed670caae58360f23218ea7340/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370514&Signature=mHwrF-Sb12oNMgSciK2xfA4Jz8MFioDHF~6m6WXFxAS27bK8Nt0zNdUP5mIfcAGRuze91kfO2ZuuymQVjHA4vaVfFagu977jCdMRO3AIphTLWR4npn5l3-BOSZzs-sEXxY6S~cQu5UrjuCzL4Tb78f~iF7T3WtbRC1PqEXbfnRqQh2OGvT5jF9AGMv~uX1lb1Xo5kuoP-~BYv-ENTItlifRabjqk6aChqpzkBhQZBhqO~UkzDpyl9Q7R2LBJpMeYTZRJ7C28cGD7ZruLNQCOePi3tc4v2cVGf4HGZbAIt195ADGIYH0M2DqWiwO0596u-QPFy3VFQw2qAz8QK1mAIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Alex Padilla pressed Chris Wright on social‑media posts and reposts that Padilla described as minimizing the danger and human toll of California wildfires. Padilla said he was \"pretty disappointed\" by posts Wright had shared and asked directly whether Wright believed last week's deadly wildfires were \"just hype.\"

Wright replied, \"Climate change is a real and global phenomenon,\" and said he watched the destruction \"with horror.\" He added that he \"stands by\" his past comments but emphasized the need for American leadership in energy innovation and for improving the electric grid to reduce wildfire risk.

Padilla also asked whether Wright would commit to publishing non‑classified DOE research and not censor scientific work; Wright answered, \"Absolutely, senator. The scientific process has been a key driver of our progress,\" and said he would follow the scientific method and the laws and statutes of the United States.

Why it matters: Public comments by a cabinet nominee about climate and disasters can shape public confidence and receive scrutiny from senators whose constituents were affected. Padilla pressed for commitments that DOE science remain available and that risk assessments for events tied to climate be taken seriously.

Ending: Wright said he was \"heart wrenching\" watching the fires and expressed support for DOE assistance to states on grid resilience and wildfire risk reduction, while maintaining that technology and innovation are part of the solution.","Senator Alex Padilla challenged nominee Chris Wright over social media posts that appeared to undercut the severity of recent California wildfires. Wright said climate change is \"real and global\" but also maintained his prior phrasing, while promising to follow the scientific method and protect research integrity.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6384389,"Loan Programs Office under scrutiny after IG report; nominee Wright pledges immediate review",59,2621000,2680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f&start=2621&end=2680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2122668-c82e5fa6e57651606d95fbb255a06d1f/thumbnail_2621000.jpg","/articles/6384389/Loan-Programs-Office-under-scrutiny-after-IG-report-nominee-Wright-pledges-immediate-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6384389-79ae4dfbf5445ef55e5d89b4f9e6a177/orig.mp4?Expires=1775370514&Signature=USzmookhg-NIWl6mml4nN31UDHRnHDBZZubkBXUzsXely-pT3cc8oe~v4EYGzGCuMY9FwW-jLyV2AqlQZfNyet~8xwOewy9tFG2qTUOYOPuXuo5FeQEg4JmeeWsxMe3ybIg4SwORSBuXR6njnaY7k34iYMZM~QdeiG~YIkDqjlV9Lg95Xiq3Sx4GXmkMKXMcyPSD-pcudxHCp-mXM-KEk2KhpJowHaJ0Bz1NqBG3iZVXPaiHGfm0Wgbd15zZBTYhxMZqV0vqQWBicWcMcW5ZEe2g4uBHIAdjYkeCUb5vbftCPiftrPFiabr~sbOdGen7SRfxQCJe5ybIcj9u2UQO1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators raised inspector general findings about the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office during Chris Wright's confirmation hearing, asking whether Wright would pause new loan issuances until conflicts of interest were addressed.

Senator Mike Lee and other committee members referenced an interim inspector general report that flagged \"dual roles\" for some contractors advising both the Loan Programs Office and potential loan recipients and recommended suspending new loan issuances until safeguards were implemented. Senator Lee asked Wright whether he would follow the IG’s recommendation to suspend new loans until compliance was assured.

Wright replied that if confirmed he \"will immediately engage in that issue,\" adding, \"Nothing is more important than the integrity of the loan process of following the rule of law. Without integrity, without fair processes, you lose confidence.\" He said he was aware of the report and would \"dive into that issue immediately.\"

Why it matters: The Loan Programs Office provides large financial support to clean‑energy projects and private investors rely on clear, enforceable conflict‑of‑interest safeguards. The IG’s recommendation to suspend new loans — if implemented — would pause a major federal financing channel while the department remedies procedural lapses.

Committee members signaled they expect prompt, documented actions from the nominee if he is confirmed, including clear timelines on corrective measures and transparency about contractor roles.

Ending: Wright told the committee the protection of process integrity is essential to maintain investor confidence and that he would treat the IG findings as a priority on day one.","Senators cited a Department of Energy inspector general interim report that flagged potential conflicts in the Loan Programs Office; nominee Chris Wright told the committee he would \"dive into that issue immediately\" and stressed the need for integrity in loan decisions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate Energy Committee hears Chris Wright; nominee vows to "unleash American energy," back national labs and grid investments

Wright endorses geothermal, SMRs and critical‑minerals development; senators press on scale, permits and Alaska/Arkansas resources

Committee presses nominee on Hanford cleanup, NNSA funding and nuclear fuel security; Wright backs U.S. production and cleanup commitments

Senator Padilla presses Wright on social‑media posts about wildfires; nominee affirms climate change is real but stands by prior comments

Loan Programs Office under scrutiny after IG report; nominee Wright pledges immediate review