Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has secured a commitment from Chris Wright, the nominee for Secretary of Energy under President-elect Donald Trump, to support energy development in Montana. During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Daines expressed his backing for Wright's confirmation.

Daines emphasized the need for an all-encompassing energy strategy and sought Wright’s assurance to maintain reliable and affordable energy sources in Montana. Wright concurred with this approach.

"One of the first things you can do as Secretary, I think, is to refocus the Department on pro-baseload energy policies," Daines stated. He stressed that baseload power resources such as coal, natural gas, hydropower, and nuclear are crucial for ensuring year-round access to reliable and affordable energy. "The world needs more energy, not less," he added.

Wright responded affirmatively: "Absolutely, Senator. If I get the honor and the privilege to be confirmed and to serve, you just summarized the top goal." He highlighted concerns about increasing costs and decreasing reliability of electricity grids and expressed his priority to address these issues through innovation rather than regulation.

"If you look at the track record right now," Wright explained, "almost all of the emission reductions in our country...have come from innovations." He pointed out that low-cost natural gas from shale was an example of innovation leading to reduced emissions without imposing regulations.

In addition to discussing emissions reduction strategies through innovation, Daines sought collaboration with Wright on advancing quantum technology in Montana. He mentioned ongoing efforts like the Quantum Leadership Act aimed at boosting jobs and research in high-tech fields.

Wright assured cooperation: "Not only I will [work together], more importantly this administration will." He noted President-elect Trump's enthusiasm for pioneering next-generation industries within America.