Energy Secretary Chris Wright took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 20, 2025, to deliver a passionate defense of President Donald Trump’s pro-energy policies. Emphasizing the importance of domestic oil and gas production, Wright doubled down on the administration’s commitment to “drill, baby, drill,” a slogan that has become a rallying cry for conservatives advocating energy independence.
Wright, the former CEO of Liberty Energy, opened his speech by stressing that energy is the foundation of modern civilization, fueling industries, creating jobs, and ensuring national security. He argued that reducing reliance on foreign energy sources is critical, stating, “America should never have to beg other countries for oil while sitting on some of the richest energy reserves in the world.”
A key focus of his address was the administration’s recent executive actions aimed at expanding drilling on federal lands and offshore sites. Wright detailed the administration’s rollback of restrictive permitting regulations, streamlining the approval process for new energy projects. “We are cutting red tape and putting American workers back to work,” he declared, to loud applause from the CPAC crowd.
The Energy Secretary also addressed the left’s criticism of increased fossil fuel production, arguing that energy innovation allows for responsible extraction with minimal environmental impact. He cited advancements in drilling and carbon capture technology that make oil and gas production more efficient while lowering emissions. “The radical environmental movement wants to cripple our economy and leave hardworking Americans in the dark,” Wright warned. “But under this administration, we will not let that happen.”
Wright’s speech reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to restore energy dominance after what he described as the previous administration’s restrictive energy policies. The administration has pushed for increased production in areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf of Mexico, while also revoking policies that limited domestic drilling. Wright assured attendees that the administration remains committed to achieving true energy independence by maximizing domestic energy production.
The CPAC audience responded enthusiastically, with chants of “Drill, baby, drill!” breaking out multiple times throughout the speech. Supporters see the administration’s energy policies as key to maintaining a strong economy and lowering energy costs for American families.
Wright concluded his speech with a strong message: “American energy is a blessing, not a burden. We will use it to power our economy, fuel our industries, and secure our nation’s future. The era of energy weakness is over.”
As the Trump administration moves forward with its aggressive pro-energy agenda, battles with environmental activists and Democrat-led states are expected. However, CPAC attendees made it clear that they stand firmly behind the administration’s commitment to prioritizing energy independence over climate alarmism.
