Physicist and MIT Researcher Ernest Moniz was officially confirmed as the next US Energy Secretary, replacing Stephen Chu, yesterday. The Senate voted 97-0 in favor.
Moniz served as energy undersecretary under the Clinton Administration.
Various groups and organizations from private business to the environmental community made statements supporting Moniz’s confirmation. They highlighted his work and views on issues like shale gas development, distributed power generation, energy efficiency, US LNG exports and more. Here’s what they had to say:
Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp
“Dr. Moniz is… well-known for his enthusiasm for creating a clean energy future for America, and he has repeatedly observed that just because the environmental challenges of shale gas are manageable does not mean that they are yet managed.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Moniz on accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy by developing a smart “green” electric grid, promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy through a “Race to the Top” program, and furthering other critical energy projects.”
NRG CEO David Crane
“Working together, we have the opportunity to create a new energy economy in the United States built on a solid foundation of smarter, cleaner, more affordable and sustainable energy, domestically produced and generated in a highly distributed manner. “
Alliance to Save Energy’s Kateri Callahan
“Secretary Moniz very effectively championed energy efficiency throughout his distinguished career in government and academia, and we congratulate the President and the Congress for choosing the right man for the all-important job of ending energy waste in this country.
“We know he will ‘double down’ on all of the important efforts that the president and Dr. Chu have underway to drive energy efficiency as well as bring new ideas and innovation to drive us toward the Alliance’s Energy 2030 goal of doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn
Moniz’s strong advocacy in the areas of technology and innovation are timely for the electric power industry. He “recognizes how critical it is to use all of our resources to produce electricity affordably, reliably and in an environmentally responsible manner for consumers”.
Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy
“Advanced energy is a $1 trillion global opportunity for the United States, and Secretary Moniz has the science, technology, industry and government experience to make the most of it.”
CLNG President Bill Cooper
“With his confirmation complete, Dr. Moniz is now in a position to conclude the extensive review of all pending LNG export permits and accelerate the approval process.”
