President-elect Barack Obama is likely to name Steven Chu, a physicist who runs the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as his energy secretary, three Democratic officials close to the transition said.
Steven Chu explains his Nobel-winning theory on superfreezing gases in 1997.
Steven Chu explains his Nobel-winning theory on superfreezing gases in 1997.
The three officials said the announcement is expected next week in Chicago, Illinois, and that Obama will also name Carol Browner, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Clinton administration, as the newly created "climate czar" inside the White House.
Chu won the 1997 Nobel Prize in physics and is highly respected in energy circles. But some Democrats have privately expressed concern that Chu has no political experience as he takes on the monumental task of passing a landmark energy reform bill early next year.
Although Browner is seen as a shrewd inside player who could help the incoming energy secretary navigate Capitol Hill, Obama will face questions about how effective his team will be going up against oil companies and other special interests that do not want to change the status quo.
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"Energy is going to be a huge fight," one Democratic official said. "They need someone with the gravitas and force of personality to make it happen."
Democrats have privately floated some other big names for energy secretary in recent days, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
But a source close to Schwarzenegger said the governor wants to serve out the rest of his term.
A source close to Powell said the retired general will take "no formal Cabinet role" in an Obama administration but is leaving the door open to an informal troubleshooting role -- such as Mideast envoy -- if the incoming president has a specific mission that needs to be filled. iReport.com: What do you think of Obama's cabinet picks so far?
Energy is one aspect of the president-elect's one-year goal to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011. The plan, which Obama announced Saturday, aims to put Americans to work updating the country's infrastructure, making public buildings more energy-efficient and implementing environmentally friendly technologies, including alternative energy sources.
During his campaign, Obama said he would invest $150 billion over 10 years in clean energy. He proposed increasing fuel economy standards and requiring that 10 percent of electricity in the United States comes from renewable sources by 2012
You know, I'm going to give Obama double points on this, not only is he picking an actual expert on the topic to be in charge (HOLY SHIT!) But! But! He's declared a large and heavy goal to charge towards.
Balls of steel man. Balls of steel. I like that in my leadership.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
How will he go up against Oil companies and special interests? I'll tell you how. He's the motherfucking president of the God damn United States. He tells them to fall in line or suffer the consequences and they either fall in line or suffer the fucking consequences.
And I will be echoing the cheers of hiring someone who actually knows the topic at hand for the job.
I'm trying to figure out how the oil companies are going to stop him. He's the President now. He owns all the arty and tanks. Yeah sure they can lobby and such, but Obama is already moving to gut the lobbying industry.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
I am well pleased You have no idea how well pleased I am.
You want to know how a physicist will take on oil companies? With !SCIENCE! A guy like this buries the fuckers under mountains of data and tells them to fuck off.
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."
- Theodosius Dobzhansky
There is no word harsh enough for this. No verbal edge sharp and cold enough to set forth the flaying needed. English is to young and the elder languages of the earth beyond me. ~Frigid
The Holocaust was an Amazing Logistical Achievement~Havoc
