Energy Secretary Calls for More Fossil Fuel Focus to Maintain Power in Storms

Ahead of another East Coast cold snap, the Energy Secretary argues renewable energy is not reliable enough to keep the grid running during winter weather emergencies.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Friday that the focus on addressing climate change through renewable energy sources like wind and solar has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms. Ahead of another major cold snap on the East Coast, Wright advocated for a national energy strategy that focuses more on grid resilience and less on reducing carbon emissions, arguing that fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are more reliable for maintaining power supply during extreme weather events.

Why it matters

This statement from the Energy Secretary continues the Trump administration's emphasis on fossil fuels over renewable energy, despite growing concerns about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate. It raises questions about the government's priorities in balancing energy reliability and affordability with environmental sustainability.

The details

Wright argued that efforts to increase electricity generation capacity with renewable sources are misguided, as the U.S. grid already produces hundreds of excess gigawatts of power during normal conditions. He said that during last month's winter storm, wind energy provided 40% less electricity than usual, while coal provided 25% more power and natural gas 47% more. Wright suggested natural gas should be emphasized as a substitute for oil, which is more expensive and polluting.

  • On Friday, February 7, 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefed reporters at the agency headquarters in Washington, D.C.
  • Another major cold snap is expected on the East Coast in the near future.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary under the Trump administration, who is advocating for a greater focus on fossil fuels to maintain power grid reliability during winter storms.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose administration's policies and priorities Wright is continuing, including an emphasis on fossil fuel development over climate change mitigation.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. President whose administration has enacted laws providing tax credits for wind and solar production, which Wright criticized as not useful.

Climate Power

A clean energy advocacy group that disputed Wright's claims, arguing that renewable sources helped fortify energy supply during peak demand times.

Constitution Pipeline

A proposed natural gas pipeline project from New York to Pennsylvania that Wright said should have been approved years ago.

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What’s next

The proposed Constitution Pipeline project, which would carry natural gas from New York to Pennsylvania, is currently undergoing federal reviews after being revived last year.

The takeaway

This debate over the role of fossil fuels versus renewable energy in maintaining a reliable power grid during extreme weather events highlights the ongoing political tensions around climate change policy and the tradeoffs between energy affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability.