Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego questions Secretary of Energy nominee Chris Wright, during a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2024.
On Wednesday, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego was among those asking questions of Secretary of Energy nominee Chris Wright, during a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Gallego commended Wright’s enthusiasm for nuclear energy before asking about his plans to advance the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Wright highlighted that his subsidiary company Oklo– owned by the parent company Liberty Energy– plans to build its first SMR at the Idaho National Lab, a Department of Energy (DOE) facility.
“This should be a huge part of America’s future energy source,” Wright said. “But that won’t happen without the legislature of the United States, without action from the Department of Energy and our incoming administration.”
Gallego pressed Wright on the legislative actions needed to streamline regulations and scale up SMRs and other types of nuclear energy.
Wright pointed to the ADVANCE Act, bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden in July, which simplifies the licensing of new reactor technologies calling it a significant first step.
However, he said that additional measures are necessary.
Gallego then shifted focus to Arizona, asking about Wright’s plans to ensure the state’s energy security and jobs.
“Some Republicans have started talking about dismantling and narrowing the energy provisions from the IRA, which would cost Arizona middle-class jobs, economic growth and clean energy production,” Gallego said. “Will you commit to protecting clean energy production provisions of the IRA? “
Wright said his goal will is to implement the laws of the land and allocate funds efficiently to grow affordable energy.
When Gallego questioned Wright about accelerating transmission project approvals, Wright affirmed his commitment to expanding the energy grid, production and removing barriers to energy development in Arizona.
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