WASHINGTON, DC - “The United States is faced with a series of challenges critical to its long-term energy and national security.  Over the past four years, the U.S. Department of Energy has worked to ensure the availability of clean, diverse, and affordable energy supplies; to safeguard the nation’s nuclear stockpile and support national security efforts; to restore and rehabilitate this country’s Cold War legacy sites; and to maintain America’s status as the world’s leader in science and technology.

“To do all this and to do it safely is a task of considerable difficulty.  So I am pleased to learn that President-elect Obama has selected Dr. Steven Chu to lead the Department.  As the Director of the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Dr. Chu understands the significance of our energy and environmental challenges, and more importantly, understands the technical solutions necessary to address them.  He is also aware of the vital role that DOE plays in matters of energy and national security and appreciates the necessity of the Department’s voice on these matters.  I fully expect the Department to continue as the leader of scientific funding and alternative energy technology development in the next Administration. 

“I have worked with Dr. Chu for the past four years, and I hold him in the highest regard.  I am confident he will provide the Department with the necessary leadership, vision, and expertise we need to continue to fulfill our mission.”

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Media contact(s):
Healy Baumgardner, (202) 586-4940