DOE’s Wright Pledges Focus On ‘Baseload’ Power, Eased Appliance Rules

Newly confirmed Energy Secretary Chris Wright is pledging to ramp up his department focus on “baseload” power and initiate a “comprehensive review” of its energy efficiency program for appliances, signaling plans to loosen efficiency rules and likely boost supports for fossil fuel and nuclear generation. Wright outlines those goals as part of a broader Feb. 5 “ Secretarial Order ” that highlights nine planned “initial actions” and broadly criticizes “net zero carbon policies.” While many of the planned Energy Department...