Taking a Step Back to Take a Step Forward

During confirmation hearings today, Dr. Steven Chu walks back some of his earlier comments in the Wall Street Journal from last September , “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.”

Expected news when you're expected to win nomination.

NY Times has him now saying:

Mr. Chu, who was expected to get a friendly and brief review by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, said in prepared testimony that “last year’s rapid spike in oil and gasoline prices not only contributed to the recession we are now experiencing, it also put a huge strain on the budgets of families all across America.’’ He called for a “greater, more committed push towards energy independence, and with it a more secure energy system.’’

It's the realist thing to say. Although cutting back our use of fossil fuels is Dr. Chu's goal he now as to speak to a larger, non-academic, audience. It's nice just knowing that this cabinet is filled with experts in the field and not just longtime political supporters.
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