U.S. Energy Secretary says the world needs more Alaska oil and gas

The country’s top energy official is touring Alaska this week, touting the Trump administration’s goal of unleashing the state’s resources and strengthening energy security.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was the keynote speaker at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association’s 10th annual conference at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage on Thursday.

And, Wright said he came with a message from President Trump.

“It’s a giant thank you,” he said. “The world depends on your resources. The massive oil exports from Alaska are desperately needed in the world, and the message I get from everyone is: When are we going to get more Alaskan oil?”

Wright has previously said the Alaska LNG pipeline is his No. 1 infrastructure priority, although he didn’t name the project during his nearly 20 minute address to oil and gas leaders. Lawmakers ended a third special session focused on Alaska LNG earlier this week.

It’s not Wright’s first time in Alaska. He came to the state last year with two other high-level officials, stopping in Anchorage and the North Slope.

Trillions of dollars have been spent on renewable energy worldwide, Wright said. He said that has had little impact on the United States.

“We need to look at granting permits, or not granting permits through a human lens. Not a ‘Hey, it’s fashionable, it’s fashionable to say I hate hydrocarbons, and I think the world’s going to run on solar panels and windmills,’” Wright said.

A recent study shows that nationwide, wind and solar produce more energy than coal.

Wright will be in Fairbanks Friday to speak with miners and other industry leaders, as part of what the department calls the “Great American Energy Comeback Tour.”