Reuters is reporting that President Obama is considering Ernest Moniz as the Energy Secretary to replace Steven Chu, who announced his resignation last week. Moniz is considered more supportive to oil and gas producers than Chu. More from Reuters:
Chu had been criticized for ignoring the huge U.S. boom in oil and gas development as he focused on spurring renewable energy.
Moniz would bring scientific acumen to the job, but he also has worked closely with industry and promoted natural gas as a “bridge fuel” to lower carbon pollution while new innovative forms of energy are being developed.
In July 2011, Moniz told the Senate Energy committee that he believes the water and air pollution risks associated with hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” were “challenging but manageable” with appropriate regulation and oversight.
