Secretary Wright Remarks at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum - June 9, 2026

Why It Matters

The push for U.S. energy abundance reshapes global supply dynamics, lowers price volatility, and strengthens geopolitical leverage, directly influencing economic growth and energy security worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Energy dominance hinges on expanding U.S. production across all sources
• U.S. became world’s top oil exporter at 5.4 M bpd in May
• New non‑light‑water nuclear reactor went critical after 40‑year hiatus
• LNG exports lead globally; natural gas fastest‑growing energy source
• Strategic petroleum reserve swaps added 35 M barrels amid supply shock

Summary

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm addressed the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, emphasizing a new era of U.S. energy dominance. She framed energy as the foundation of every industry and argued that the United States must expand production of all economically viable sources to secure prosperity and geopolitical stability.

Granholm highlighted that U.S. oil output has hit all‑time highs, making the country the world’s leading exporter at 5.4 million barrels per day in May—outpacing Russia and Saudi Arabia. She noted that the United States also leads in liquefied natural gas exports and that natural gas has been the fastest‑growing energy source globally over the past 17 years. Strategic petroleum reserve swaps have added 35 million barrels, while a non‑light‑water nuclear reactor achieved criticality for the first time in over four decades, with ten more reactors slated for launch within a year.

Key quotes underscored the message: “Energy is the most important industry in the world,” and “Energy dominance means we grow our energy production of all forms that make economic sense.” The announcement of the next‑generation nuclear breakthrough and the record oil export figures served as concrete evidence of the administration’s abundance agenda.

The remarks signal a decisive policy shift toward energy abundance, aiming to lower global prices, boost economic growth, and reinforce U.S. leverage against adversaries such as Iran. By positioning the United States as a reliable supplier, the administration seeks to stabilize markets, support allies, and drive domestic manufacturing reshoring.