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

Wright says renewable energy has not helped keep electricity and heat on during winter storms

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued that a focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms. He advocated for a national energy strategy that emphasizes grid resilience and fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas over reducing carbon emissions.

Why it matters

Wright's statements continue the Trump administration's push for increased fossil fuel development, despite growing concerns about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. This debate over the role of renewable energy versus fossil fuels in maintaining a reliable electricity grid during extreme weather events is a key policy issue.

The details

Wright 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. He argued that the U.S. electricity grid must be designed for peak demand, not just normal conditions, and that efforts to increase renewable generation have driven up prices and reduced reliability. Wright also advocated for approving the Constitution Pipeline to carry more natural gas.

  • Last month, a major winter storm gripped much of the country.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary who argued for a greater focus on fossil fuels to maintain power during winter storms.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who the Energy Secretary said Americans elected to move away from a focus on climate change.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. president whose administration enacted a law providing tax credits for wind and solar production, which the Energy Secretary criticized.

Constitution Pipeline

A proposed natural gas pipeline project that the Energy Secretary said should have been approved years ago.

Climate Power

A clean energy advocacy group that disputed the Energy Secretary's claims about the reliability of renewable energy sources during winter storms.

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What’s next

The proposed Constitution Pipeline project is currently undergoing federal reviews, and its future remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This debate over the role of renewable energy versus fossil fuels in maintaining a reliable electricity grid during extreme weather events highlights the ongoing tensions between efforts to address climate change and concerns about energy security and affordability.