A Scientist in the Cabinet

Though not yet announced, it has been leaked that Obama will be nominating Nobel Prize winning physicist Steven Chu to be his Energy Secretary. Dr. Chu is the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. For a post that, since created by Carter in 1977, has been a home to career politicians and bureaucrats with little to no experience in energy, this shows a refreshing break from tradition. Chu is a strong advocate for alternative energy policies, especially regarding their impact vs fossil fuels on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. I also believe that this is the first time in at least decades that an actual scientist has been tapped for a Secretary level position. For anyone potentially doubting the coming administrations commitment to reforming our energy policies and focusing on sources of renewable energy, this should be a welcome development.