The Senate Finance Committee’s reconciliation bill would overhaul the Inflation Reduction Act, but one thing remains unchanged: its focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Despite speculation among observers that geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear might be carved out from tax credits, the bill instead preserves these credits for everything except solar and wind. This approach aligns with Chris Wright’s philosophy of energy and climate, which emphasizes firm technologies over renewables.
Wright believes climate change is real but not a top concern. Instead, he argues that restricting energy usage is counterproductive to human well-being. He also supports fossil fuels as viable alternatives, citing energy innovation as key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Next-generation nuclear and geothermal are among the low-carbon energy technologies Wright advocates for.
Wright’s concerns about intermittency have been well-documented. He believes that without a reliable energy system, societies will struggle to function during periods of low renewable energy production. This skepticism is reflected in his support for nuclear power and criticism of renewables like wind and solar. However, he has begun to show more enthusiasm for energy storage, recognizing its potential to bridge the gap between variable resources.
In an effort to promote clean firm power, Wright has promoted government support for nuclear fission and fusion as well as geothermal. He suggests that sunsetting wind and solar tax credits by 2028 could incentivize the development of these alternative technologies. As energy secretary, Wright’s vision for the grid is centered around reliable, affordable low-carbon energy sources like nuclear and geothermal, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Source: https://heatmap.news/politics/chris-wright-big-beautiful-bill