This week, the Detroit Regional Chamber participated in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI 7) and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The conversation provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Wright on the Trump administration’s energy priorities, while also elevating the Chamber’s perspectives on key issues impacting Michigan’s economy.
Pictured left to right: Speaker Matt Hall, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI 7), U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Wright emphasized a clear focus on ensuring the nation’s energy system is affordable, reliable, and secure. Achieving these goals, he noted, will require a diverse and resilient energy portfolio — one that supports both traditional energy sources and the continued development of emerging technologies.
A central theme of the discussion was the critical role of energy in driving innovation. Participants highlighted that access to dependable and cost-effective energy will shape where advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and next-generation industries choose to invest and grow.
The roundtable also underscored several policy priorities important to Michigan, including:
- The continued development of nuclear energy as a stable, low-carbon baseload power source.
- Advancement of carbon capture technologies to support industrial competitiveness and emissions reduction.
- The need for permitting reform to accelerate energy infrastructure and innovation projects.
The Chamber appreciated the opportunity to share Michigan’s perspectives directly with Wright and federal partners. Conversations like these are critical to ensuring that national energy policies align with Michigan’s business community’s needs and support long-term economic growth and competitiveness.