Chris Wright encourages nuclear energy growth in Colorado

In early April 2025, Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, visited Colorado to launch a new initiative aimed at opening federal land for private development, including data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This move reflects a strategy to leverage the available land to foster technological advancement and economic growth in the region. Wright emphasized the importance of making such developments attractive to prevent the migration of projects to other states or countries. During his discussions, Wright addressed the significant uncertainties currently facing the energy sector, referencing tariffs as a phase of short-term pain that could lead to long-term benefits. He pointed to recent actions taken by Israel, which lifted tariffs on U.S. goods, as an example of how geopolitical dynamics can shift over time. Furthermore, Wright highlighted the necessity of focusing on economic factors in the renewable energy landscape. In addition to backing traditional energy resources like oil, gas, and coal, Wright announced plans to incentivize the development of geothermal and nuclear energy. Notably, these efforts could take place at existing coal plants in Colorado, where infrastructure is already established. He mentioned discussions with Colorado's governor, who has been supportive of the nuclear initiative, suggesting that a nuclear power facility could potentially thrive in the state. Overall, Wright's statements and proposals indicate a shift toward a diversified energy strategy and showcase the government's attempt to balance economic drivers with the need for renewable energy strategies in the face of evolving market conditions.