Energy Secretary Steven Chu to Resign - East Idaho News
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Energy Secretary Steven Chu to Resign

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030112 EnergySecyChu?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1359743161447US Department of Energy(WASHINGTON) — U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu plans to resign from his post in the Obama administration.

In a statement Friday, President Obama thanked Chu for his service, saying he “helped my Administration move America towards real energy independence.”

“As a Nobel Prize winning scientist, Steve brought to the Energy Department a unique understanding of both the urgent challenge presented by climate change and the tremendous opportunity that clean energy represents for our economy,” Obama said. “And during his time as Secretary, Steve helped my Administration move America towards real energy independence.

“Over the past four years, we have doubled the use of renewable energy, dramatically reduced our dependence on foreign oil, and put our country on a path to win the global race for clean energy jobs. Thanks to Steve, we also expanded support for our brightest engineers and entrepreneurs as they pursue groundbreaking innovations that could transform our energy future,” the president continued. “I am grateful that Steve agreed to join in my Cabinet and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

In a letter sent to Energy Department employees, Chu said he would like to return to teaching and academic research.

Chu plans to stay on as secretary through the end of February or until a successor is confirmed.

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