Wright backs reopening closed nuclear plants, criticizes pipeline blocks and renewables mandates
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Summary
While visiting New York, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said reopening closed nuclear plants is a top administration objective to lower energy costs, blamed blocked pipelines for higher New England prices and criticized state renewable mandates as having increased rates in some states.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration is pursuing reopening closed nuclear power plants as a leading objective to lower energy costs, and he criticized state-level decisions that, he said, have restricted supply and raised prices.
Asked about his visit to a nuclear plant in New York that state leaders closed, Wright said, "Absolutely," when asked whether reopening such sites is under consideration as part of the administration's effort to bring down energy costs.
Wright also blamed a blocked natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania through New York for higher electricity prices in New England, arguing that the pipeline would have lowered costs and supported job creation.
On state renewable rules, Wright said about 28 states adopted renewable portfolio standards with the promise of cheaper and cleaner power, but he criticized the outcome. He said, on average, those states now have higher electricity rates than the others, and called for what he described as "common sense" energy policy across all 50 states.
His remarks included partisan contrast: he blamed policies adopted during the prior administration for higher prices and positioned the current administration's approach as prioritizing lower costs over climate policy constraints.
Wright used blunt language to describe opposition to pipeline projects, saying state decisions to block projects reflected politics he characterized as a "climate cult." The interviewer did not provide countering viewpoints during the segment.
No formal policy changes, legislation, or binding orders were announced in the interview. Wright described the administration's approach in broad terms and did not provide a timeline or concrete reopening plan for specific nuclear facilities.
