SECRETARY CHU OFFICIALLY LEAVES DOE

Monday was former Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s last day at the Department of Energy, and Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Poneman is currently serving as acting Secretary of Energy. In a message to DOE employees, DOE acting Chief of Staff Jeff Navin said called Chu’s departure “the end of an historic and successful tenure as Secretary of Energy.” He added, “Over the last four years, we’ve made important progress in nuclear cleanup as well as advancing the President’s nuclear security agenda.” Poneman will return to the deputy secretary position once a new Energy Secretary is confirmed. Chu first announced his departure from DOE in early February. While nominee Ernest Moniz has cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has placed a hold on his confirmation.