Senate Energetic for Chu
Steven Chu, Obama's nominee for Energy Secretary, was subjected to "gentle questioning" today by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The LA Times reported that Nobel Prize winner was lauded by Senators from both sides of the aisle. Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca) said "there is no one brighter or more equipped than this man to become secretary of Energy," and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, the ranking Republican on the committee, told Chu, "It's probably fair to say that you are uniquely poised in your ability to bring with you your background that relates the science and the technology [of the Energy Department]."
Commentators had questioned whether a scientist was the right choice to lead the Energy Department in a time where political hurdles are perhaps more prevalent than scientfic ones in dealing with the nation's energy needs. In the past Chu has said that "coal is my worst nightmare," but he appeared more conciliatory towards the fuel today, saying, "We will be building some coal plants. One doesn't have a hard moratorium on something like that when we search for a way to capture carbon and store it safely."
In the hearing Chu did not oppose offshore drilling, but he did qualify his opinion:
"But I should also say, Senator, as you well know, the reserves of the United States are approximately 3 percent of the world's reserve, and the numbers from 2005 suggest that something like five percent of the world production of oil comes from the the United States. So while it is important to fold into this the continued development of oil and gas resources one should also recognize those numbers. The more efficient use of energy in United States is the one factor that can most decrease our dependence on foreign oil." (emphasis added by Salon.com)
--Micah Cratty
Is Chu the right man for the job? Should a politician get the appointment instead? Let us know in the comment section below.
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