I Come To Thank Chu, But Not To Praise Him

Here’s yesterday’s press release from ACORE (American Council on Renewable Energy) regarding the resignation of Dr. Steven Chu from his post as U.S. Secretary of Energy.  Note that it differs from the article I wrote on the subject, in that the ACORE piece is uniformly glowing with praise about Chu’s accomplishments. 

I don’t object to ACORE’s point of view, for what that’s worth, and I understand the rationale completely.  There is no doubt that the Department of Energy in the first term of the Obama Administration presided over the single largest and most effective diversification from traditional fossil fuel-based energy in history, and has set the stage, it could be argued, for a seismic rethinking of our nation’s energy future.  In particular, what ACORE President Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn said is completely true:

Secretary Chu led America forward toward a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by increasing amounts of renewable energy. His focus on innovation and objective scientific knowledge have encouraged the development of technologies that are even today delivering reliable, clean, and more affordable electricity to Americans.

I point out that we still subsidize the oil industry, and refuse to grant renewable energy a level playing field in terms of public policy and capital formation that it so obviously deserves, but perhaps the incoming Secretary, whoever that may be, will fulfill the hopes I had when Chu took office.  

In any case, so long, Dr. Chu, and thanks for your many accomplishments.  At some point in the future I hope you’ll favor us with the true reason for your departure.