Chris Wright
Coverage of Chris Wright in the Nexus archive.
- Trump energy chief lied to Congress about canceled clean energy funds, lawmakers allege
Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Gabe Amo are requesting the Justice Department to consider criminal charges against Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who is accused of lying to Congress regarding $7.6 billion in canceled clean energy grants in blue states.
- Trump energy chief lied to Congress about canceled clean energy funds, lawmakers allege
Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Gabe Amo are asking the Justice Department to consider criminal charges against Energy Secretary Chris Wright, alleging he lied to Congress about $7.6 billion in clean energy grants canceled in blue states.
- Federal government to turn a Kentucky uranium plant into an AI data center and gas power complex
The U.S. Department of Energy is converting the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky into a $100 billion AI data center and gas power complex, funded by Brookfield Asset Management. The project includes 2 gigawatts of natural gas generation, 2.6 gigawatts of battery storage, and collaboration with NextEra Energy.
- Tennessee among 5 states offering to accept nuclear waste
Five states, including Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho, have agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal support to develop nuclear energy and create jobs. The plan includes building storage sites and Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, potentially bringing $50 billion in investment and tax revenue, with Tennessee and Idaho highlighted for their nuclear research facilities.
- Tennessee selected as finalist to potentially accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal assistance developing nuclear energy
Tennessee is one of five states selected to potentially host Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, which would accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal assistance to develop nuclear energy. The initiative could bring up to $50 billion in capital investment, $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs.
- Feds pick Louisiana for potential nuclear campus
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Louisiana as a potential site for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, alongside Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Idaho. Louisiana proposes three hubs for nuclear energy functions, including uranium enrichment in Baton Rouge, small modular reactors in Northwest Louisiana, and waste disposal via offshore salt domes in Port Fourchon.
- It’s official: Data centers are slowing America’s shift away from coal
A report from the Energy Information Administration found that carbon emissions from the U.S. power sector rose by 4% last year, driven in part by a 13% increase in coal power generation linked to the proliferation of large-scale data centers. The rise in emissions reverses a decades-long decline, as data centers consume more electricity and extend the life of aging coal plants, slowing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
- 5 states offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy
Five states—Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho—have agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal support to develop nuclear energy infrastructure, aiming to create jobs and attract billions in investment. The plan includes establishing Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses with storage sites, uranium enrichment, and advanced reactor deployment, potentially reducing risks associated with current storage locations.
- 5 states offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy
Five states (Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho) have agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal support to develop nuclear energy, aiming to create jobs and economic growth. The plan includes establishing Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses with waste storage, uranium enrichment, and energy projects, potentially attracting $50 billion in investment.
- 5 states offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy
Five states—Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho—have agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal support to develop nuclear energy, aiming to create jobs and boost economic growth. The plan involves establishing Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses with waste storage, uranium enrichment, and advanced reactor projects, potentially attracting $50 billion in private investment. The initiative aligns with efforts to expand nuclear energy production amid rising electricity demand.
- Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics
The Trump administration admitted in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for 16 states that supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, contradicting claims that the projects were terminated for economic or energy-related reasons. The canceled projects included grid upgrades in Minnesota and North Dakota-Minnesota, with Democrats and environmental groups accusing the administration of politically motivated cuts.
- Energy Department pulled grant money from states that didn't vote for Trump, new filing says
The U.S. Department of Energy terminated nearly 300 renewable energy grants in 2024, with legal filings stating decisions were based on whether recipients were in states that did not vote for President Donald Trump or had Democratic senators. The canceled projects totaled $8 billion, affecting 16 states with Democratic-led legislatures or governors, despite the department's initial claim that cancellations were due to economic viability.
- Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics
The Trump administration admitted in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for 16 states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, claiming the decision was based solely on political identity. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other officials previously stated the projects were canceled for failing to advance energy needs, but Democrats and environmental groups argue this was an abuse of power targeting politically opposed states.
- Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics
The Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for 16 states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, citing political identity as the reason. The Energy Department claimed the projects were terminated for failing to advance energy needs, but Democrats argue the cuts were politically motivated and harm working families.
- Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics
The Trump administration acknowledged in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for 16 states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, citing political identity as the reason. The administration’s Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed the projects were canceled due to poor investment value, but Democrats and environmental groups criticized the move as politically motivated.
- The Saudis Learn the Truth About Trump
A U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement allowing uranium enrichment was signed in July 2024, but President Donald Trump later claimed the deal excluded enrichment and required Saudi recognition of Israel, creating confusion. Saudi Arabia had invested in Trump's family businesses, expecting reciprocal support, but Trump's contradictory statements left the deal's future uncertain.
- Trump says Saudi nuclear agreement won't move forward without Abraham Accords: 'They have to be a member'
President Trump stated that a U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement will not proceed unless Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords. He emphasized that the condition was always understood during negotiations and reiterated that the Accords promote Middle East peace. Trump also clarified the nuclear deal would focus on civilian energy without enrichment.
- Trump says Saudi nuclear agreement won't move forward without Abraham Accords: 'They have to be a member'
President Donald Trump stated Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords for the U.S. to proceed with a civilian nuclear agreement, emphasizing the condition was always understood during negotiations. Trump clarified the deal would focus on civilian nuclear energy without enrichment and highlighted a milestone for advanced nuclear energy in the U.S.
- Trump says nearly 200 firms have signed pledge to protect Americans from costs arising from datacenters
Donald Trump announced that nearly 200 entities have signed a non-binding 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' to prevent US consumers from bearing AI datacenter costs. The pledge was discussed at the EPA headquarters with Lee Zeldin, Chris Wright, and governors including Brian Kemp, Mike DeWine, Spencer Cox, and Jeff Landry.
- Trump says Saudi nuclear deal bars enrichment, requires Israel normalization
President Trump claimed the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal prohibits uranium enrichment and requires Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords. The agreement, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, allows American companies to assist Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program but does not require a separate International Atomic Energy Agency protocol. Critics argue the deal weakens leverage to push Saudi-Israel normalization, while the Saudis state they will not normalize with Israel without a Palestinian state path.
- US and Saudi Arabia reach a multi-billion dollar civilian nuclear deal
The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a civilian nuclear cooperation deal, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signing the agreement. The deal is part of broader discussions under the Biden administration to normalize Saudi-Israel relations, which collapsed after the October 7th attacks. Concerns about safety and pushback from allies are anticipated.
- US announces civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, says it includes non-proliferation safeguards
The United States and Saudi Arabia signed two agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation with non-proliferation safeguards. The deal, which includes potential US-built uranium enrichment facilities, is under review by Congress and governed by the US Atomic Energy Act. Concerns about proliferation exist, but the US emphasizes safety and strategic interests.
- Trump administration announces deal to export nuclear materials to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration announced a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, allowing U.S. private companies to export nuclear materials and technology to develop the kingdom's civilian nuclear program. The agreement, part of a multi-billion-dollar partnership, aims to strengthen U.S.-Saudi commercial relations and security amid heightened tensions with Iran.
- US signs landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
The US has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could permit the kingdom to enrich uranium. The deal includes a 'peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement' and a 'bilateral safeguards agreement' signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
- US and Saudi Arabia sign new nuclear agreement that could pave way for kingdom to enrich uranium
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation agreement that could enable Saudi uranium enrichment for civilian use, with potential implications for regional nuclear proliferation. The deal, which excludes enhanced IAEA monitoring, faces congressional review and involves U.S. firms in developing Saudi nuclear technology.
- US, Saudis sign nuclear partnership
The Trump administration announced a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, which it called an economic triumph. Critics and nuclear experts have raised concerns about safeguards to prevent Saudi Arabia from developing nuclear weapons.
- US, Saudis sign nuclear partnership
The Trump administration announced a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, described as an economic triumph, but critics and nuclear experts have raised concerns about safeguards to prevent Riyadh from developing nuclear weapons. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, Prince...
- US and Saudi Arabia sign new nuclear agreement that could pave way for kingdom to enrich uranium
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, potentially enabling Saudi uranium enrichment for civilian programs. The deal includes a 123 agreement and bilateral safeguards but excludes the IAEA's Additional Protocol, raising concerns about proliferation risks. The agreement, expected to involve U.S. firms and face congressional review, is framed as upholding nonproliferation standards.
- US announces nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia
The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. A separate bilateral safeguards deal was also signed alongside the pact.
- Trump administration steers $5B toward AI research
The Trump administration has allocated over $5 billion to an Energy Department-led AI research initiative called the Genesis Mission, aiming to redirect federal science funding toward AI-powered projects and individual researchers rather than traditional institutions like universities. The funding supports 278 projects across biomedical research, energy grid reliability, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, with the largest grant being $60 million for AI-driven nuclear energy advancements.
- Trump to approve nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia despite regional proliferation risks
President Trump is set to approve a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, granting Riyadh access to American reactor technology despite concerns about a potential regional nuclear arms race with Iran. The deal, which will advance to Congress for review, could generate significant profits for U.S. companies involved in Saudi nuclear infrastructure.
- Trump to approve nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia despite regional proliferation risks
President Donald Trump has reportedly approved a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, granting access to American reactor technology despite concerns about regional proliferation risks. The deal bypasses International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards and includes provisions for a US-led study on Saudi uranium enrichment, raising fears of a Middle Eastern nuclear arms race.
- Energy secretary: US ‘will continue to assure flow of traffic’ through Strait of Hormuz amid reignited Iran war
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the U.S. will ensure traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities. He mentioned the president is seeking a diplomatic resolution.
- Mission in Iran war has pivoted toward ensuring oil flow, Trump official says
A Trump administration official defended the U.S. strategy in the Iran war, emphasizing the mission's pivot to ensuring oil flow. The conflict, which began in February, faces criticism over its duration and recent troop deaths in Jordan, with 16 American military members killed. A Democrat labeled the conflict a 'war of choice.'
- Mission in Iran war has pivoted toward ensuring oil flow, Trump official says
A Trump administration official stated the US mission in Iran has shifted to ensuring oil flow as criticism grows over the war's duration. Two more American troops were killed in Jordan, raising the total to 16, with a Democrat labeling the conflict a 'war of choice'.
- Ships continue to move through Strait of Hormuz, US Energy chief says
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that oil tankers continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite renewed conflict with Iran, with current traffic at two-thirds of pre-conflict levels. He dismissed reports of halted shipping and emphasized President Donald Trump’s mission to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
- Iraq and Syria sign deal to rehabilitate Mediterranean pipeline, bypass Strait of Hormuz
Iraq and Syria signed a US-brokered agreement to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, aiming to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The project, led by a consortium including Chevron and TI Capital, is described as a strategic infrastructure priority by the US State Department.
- US DOE pushes for greater propane exports to Africa
The US Department of Energy is promoting increased propane exports to Africa as part of a strategy to replace harmful cooking fuels with cleaner alternatives. The Trump administration emphasizes trade over aid, framing propane as a commercial opportunity to address energy access while advancing US economic interests.
- Trump turns to commercial diplomacy in Iraq
President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi are advancing US-Iraq commercial ties through a $60 billion agreement announced at a US Chamber of Commerce summit. The focus includes energy, infrastructure, and economic partnerships, with participation from major US companies like ExxonMobil and Shell.
- Africa secures $900 million in new clean cooking commitments
Africa has secured $900 million in new clean cooking commitments, adding to the $2.2 billion pledged in 2024, to expand access to cleaner fuels and stoves across the continent. The funding aims to address the 1 billion people still relying on polluting fuels, which contribute to 850,000 premature deaths annually.