Moniz Unanimously Confirmed as Energy Secretary

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist who has lauded the U.S. natural gas boom, as the next U.S. Energy Secretary.

Mr. Moniz, who was confirmed unanimously, won broad support while some other nominees from President Barack Obama are running into Republican opposition. Gina McCarthy, Mr. Obama's choice to be the next leader of the Environmental Protection Agency, has already seen her nomination vote delayed by Republican opposition.

Ms. McCarthy did get committee approval Thursday by the Senate Environment Committee on a 10-8 party-line vote, but her nomination may need support from Republicans to win approval from the full Senate.

Mr. Moniz has a less contentious track record than Ms. McCarthy, who as the EPA's air-quality chief has presided over the adoption of strict environmental rules. As an academic, Mr. Moniz advocated both advancing renewable energy and moving toward increased use of natural gas as a near-term way to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions linked to climate change.

Senators approved him in a 97-0 vote Thursday. He will take over the Department of Energy as it weighs several applications to export U.S. natural gas.

Mr. Moniz spoke positively about the U.S. natural gas boom at a Senate Energy Committee hearing last month, but he didn't take a firm position on exports. In his previous job as head of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Energy Initiative, he led a study that said the U.S. shouldn't erect barriers to exports and that a global gas market would advance U.S. interests.

There are more than a dozen export applications waiting for the Obama administration's approval.

The Department of Energy has limited regulatory power, but Mr. Moniz will be among President Barack Obama's top energy advisers as the administration considers new policies to cut carbon emissions. Mr. Moniz told senators last month his department should focus on supporting "low-carbon options" of energy use, such as small-scale nuclear reactors, renewable energy and technology to capture the carbon emissions from burning coal.

Mr. Moniz previously served in the department under President Bill Clinton, helping to oversee research programs and the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. One of his first tasks this time around will be wrangling with Congress over the department's budget. Despite cuts to many accounts, the president has proposed a huge boost in funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency research. It isn't clear lawmakers will follow along.

Mr. Moniz moved easily through the Senate except for one stumbling block: South Carolina's two Republican senators, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, objected to the nominee moving forward unless the Department of Energy vowed to push ahead with a plutonium-disposal project in that state. The Obama administration says the project may cost more than anticipated and wants to look at alternatives.

Mr. Moniz declined to take a position on the South Carolina matter prior to his confirmation.

Mr. Graham dropped plans to block a vote on Mr. Moniz after it became clear the nominee had wide support from senators in both parties. Mr. Graham and Mr. Scott have said they will be looking for other opportunities to raise the issue.

Mr. Moniz will be the second consecutive scientist to the lead the research-focused energy department. His predecessor, the physicist Steven Chu, left the department for a post at Stanford University after serving most of President Barack Obama's first term.

Copyright (c) 2013 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

UK Energy Secretary Lauds Oil, Gas Sector

UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey said Thursday that he expects oil and gas to remain a vital part of the country's energy mix for decades.

Speaking at an Oil & Gas UK event in London, Davey said:

"As we move to a low carbon economy, oil and gas will remain a vital part of the UK's energy mix for decades to come – providing energy security, jobs and investment.

"I want to pay tribute to the oil and gas industry. Operating in some of the toughest conditions anywhere in the world it spearheads revolutionary technology in offshore exploration and production.

"Alongside the many opportunities the North Sea offers, there are of course challenges too. I believe that the joint work by government and industry … will pay real dividends and ensure continuing investment and success."

Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb added:

"We are delighted that the country's senior energy policy maker has today shone the spotlight on the UK's valuable and high technology oil and gas industry. Delegates heard first hand about the government's commitment to promoting investment in the UK's oil and gas reserves, building on the Treasury's new approach on tax and the launch of the long-term industrial strategy for oil and gas."

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

UK Energy Secretary Lauds Oil, Gas Sector

UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey said Thursday that he expects oil and gas to remain a vital part of the country's energy mix for decades.

Speaking at an Oil & Gas UK event in London, Davey said:

"As we move to a low carbon economy, oil and gas will remain a vital part of the UK's energy mix for decades to come – providing energy security, jobs and investment.

"I want to pay tribute to the oil and gas industry. Operating in some of the toughest conditions anywhere in the world it spearheads revolutionary technology in offshore exploration and production.

"Alongside the many opportunities the North Sea offers, there are of course challenges too. I believe that the joint work by government and industry … will pay real dividends and ensure continuing investment and success."

Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb added:

"We are delighted that the country's senior energy policy maker has today shone the spotlight on the UK's valuable and high technology oil and gas industry. Delegates heard first hand about the government's commitment to promoting investment in the UK's oil and gas reserves, building on the Treasury's new approach on tax and the launch of the long-term industrial strategy for oil and gas."

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Secretary Sally Jewell Shines at OTC

Sworn in Friday, April 12 at the Supreme Court of the United States, Secretary Sally Jewell, the 51st Secretary of the Interior, has hit the ground running, addressing important issues laid before the department, including energy development, conservation and youth engagement.

Secretary Jewell held a press conference at the 2013 Offshore Technology Conference Wednesday to introduce her and the department's agenda. 

"Our regulatory philosophy is to stay parallel with the industry as it develops, supporting our industry but making sure things are conducted in a safe manner," she said at the conference.

Jewell jumpstarted her professional career with Mobil Oil Corp. as a petroleum engineer. Prior to joining the Department of the Interior, Jewell served in the private sector, recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Recreation Equipment, Inc. She joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and was named CEO in 2005. Subsequently, she spent 19 years as a commercial banker.

"Part of my duties in this new position is to stay abreast of the technology that is moving forward fast, and how the department can do the best job possible in assisting the energy industry," she said.

She addressed several key issues during the conference, specifically how she felt about the diversity within the industry and what the department is doing in regards to opening new federal offshore waters in the Outer Continental Shelf.

"I don't see a good level of diversity in the industry," she lamented. "It's a huge issue in regards to young people, women and people of color. The industry has some work to do."

As for opening more acreage in the Offshore Continental Shelf, she mentioned her predecessor's five year program that expires in 2017. In August 2012, Secretary Ken Salazar gave final approval to the schedule of lease sales set out in the Proposed Final Program.

The department mentioned that while much of the Eastern Gulf is subject to a moratorium until 2022, Congress could choose to modify or eliminate the restriction. The area that is not available in upcoming lease sales is at least 125 miles off the Florida coast and is estimated to contain about 2/3 of the available oil and gas resources in the Eastern Gulf.

"More seismic work needs to be conducted for that area," chimed in Bureau of Safety Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director James Watson. "Existing seismic data of that area is 30 years old, so new data is extremely important."

The BSEE estimates of undiscovered, economically recoverable resources for the Gulf of Mexico areas proposed for Environmental Impact Scoping are:

Western GOM: 8-10 billion barrels of oil and 50-60 trillion cubic feet of natural gasCentral GOM: 25-28 billion barrels of oil and 100-130 trillion cubic feet of natural gasEastern GOM: approximately two-thirds of the 3-3.5 billion barrels of oil and 11-17 trillion cubic feet of natural gas

"The definition of deepwater is constantly evolving," Jewell said. "The key is do we have the technology available to develop these resources safely and responsibly."

With more than 10 years of journalism experience, Robin Dupre specializes in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry. Email Robin at rdupre@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Interior Secretary Tours Rig in U.S. Gulf

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on Friday visited an offshore drilling rig and production platform in the Gulf of Mexico, capping a two-day visit to the Department's regional offices that oversee oil and gas development in federal waters. Earlier, Secretary Jewell met with Interior employees, praising them for their professionalism and commitment to their mission, including safe and responsible energy development and Gulf Coast restoration.

"Oil and gas production from the Gulf of Mexico plays an important role in powering our nation and strengthening our economy," said Jewell. "The Department of the Interior will continue to work with industry to ensure that these resources are developed safely and responsibly, while also delivering a fair return to the American taxpayer, businesses and communities."

Jewell was accompanied by Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director Jim Watson and a BSEE Gulf Region inspector on the visits, which included seeing first-hand LLOG’s drilling operations onboard the ENSCO 8502 rig, approximately 120 miles southeast of New Orleans, LA. There she observed a cementing operation for a production well and was briefed on LLOG’s development plan for the area.

Jewell then visited Chevron’s deepest producing facility in 6,500 feet water depth, a semisubmersible platform approximately 125 miles southeast of New Orleans, LA. There she toured the production equipment and discussed Chevron’s deepwater strategy for exploration and development in the Gulf of Mexico.

In speaking to employees on Thursday, including Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and BSEE employees, the Secretary thanked them for their work to implement the most significant drilling and safety reforms in U.S. history following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon tragedy.

"Maintaining the public’s trust in the safety and environmental performance of oil and gas production is critically important as we continue to tap into the Gulf’s abundant resource potential," Jewell told the employees. "I have immense admiration and respect for your efforts to carry out aggressive restructuring and strengthening of the oil and gas regulatory system."

The Gulf of Mexico contributes about 25 percent of U.S. domestic oil and 11 percent of domestic gas production, providing the bulk of the $12.2 billion in revenue from energy production that Interior distributed last year. The Gulf is home to a number of world-class producing basins, including many in deepwater areas that are increasingly accessible with new technology.

In 2012, Interior approved 112 new deepwater well permits in the Gulf, the most since 2005, and more rigs are now operating there than before Deepwater Horizon. Under Interior’s new five-year program for offshore leasing, more than 75 percent of the total undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources estimated on the OCS were made available for exploration and development. Fifteen potential lease sales are scheduled for the 2012-2017 period, including 12 in the Gulf and three off the coasts of Alaska.

Two Gulf lease sales held under the five-year program have demonstrated industry’s continued strong interest, especially in the deepwater region. The most recent sale in March offered 39 million acres, attracting more than $1.2 billion in high bids. The 20- million-acre sale held last November netted nearly $134 million. A third sale in August will offer 21 million acres offshore Texas, making all unleased areas in the Western Planning Area available for development.

These sales include conditions, developed in tandem with safety and drilling reforms, to ensure both orderly resource development and protection of the human, marine and coastal environments. The economic terms for the leases include a range of incentives to encourage diligent development and ensure a fair return to American taxpayers.

A 2011 BOEM assessment estimated that the Central Gulf holds more than 30 billion barrels of oil and about 134 trillion cubic feet of natural gas yet to be discovered. The Western Gulf of Mexico is estimated to contain 12 billion barrels of oil and nearly 80 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.
For More Information on the Offshore Rig Fleet:
RigLogix can provide the information that you need about the offshore rig fleet, whether you need utilization and industry trends or detailed reports on future rig contracts. Subscribing to RigLogix will allow you to access dozens of prebuilt reports and build your own custom reports using hundreds of available data columns. For more information about a RigLogix subscription, visit http://www.riglogix.com/.

View the original article here

Senate Energy Committee Approves Obama Energy Secretary Pick

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's pick for Energy Department secretary won a near-unanimous endorsement from the Senate Energy Committee Thursday, paving the way for his expected confirmation by the full Senate.

The committee voted in favor of Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who sailed through a confirmation hearing earlier this month.

The only senator voting against the nomination was Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, who had pressed Mr. Moniz during that earlier hearing about the department's decision to re-evaluate a nuclear fuel processing program in South Carolina.

Copyright (c) 2013 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Senate Energy Committee Approves Obama Energy Secretary Pick

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's pick for Energy Department secretary won a near-unanimous endorsement from the Senate Energy Committee Thursday, paving the way for his expected confirmation by the full Senate.

The committee voted in favor of Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who sailed through a confirmation hearing earlier this month.

The only senator voting against the nomination was Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, who had pressed Mr. Moniz during that earlier hearing about the department's decision to re-evaluate a nuclear fuel processing program in South Carolina.

Copyright (c) 2013 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

US Energy Secretary Nominee Has Ties to Consultancy

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's pick for energy secretary owned shares in an energy consultancy that has worked for government agencies and the oil and gas industry, according to financial filings.

Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist who is Mr. Obama's nominee to head the Department of Energy, sits on the board of directors of ICF International Inc., which consulted for the department on the potential of energy-efficient technologies and did a study measuring the benefits of exporting U.S. natural gas for the American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas industry group.

Mr. Moniz's favorable view of natural gas has made some environmental watchdogs skeptical of his nomination, though a number of environmental groups have praised the choice. His views on natural gas also may help him gain support from lawmakers who support drilling, and his position on the issue fits with that of Mr. Obama, who has touted the newfound U.S. supply of gas as an economic boon.

An ICF spokesman, Steve Anderson, said less than 2% of the company's revenue comes from its oil and gas work and most of the firm's energy work is with utilities. "We do no advocacy work, that's for sure," Mr. Anderson said.

As of June 1 last year, Mr. Moniz owned more than 10,000 shares of ICF, a Securities and Exchange Commission filing shows. The shares would be worth about $277,000 at Thursday's midday price of about $27. Roughly half of the shares vest later this year, the filing said, meaning Mr. Moniz won't be able to sell them until then.

An Obama administration official said Mr. Moniz will follow the path of other cabinet nominees in resigning from the ICF board upon confirmation by the Senate and forfeiting or divesting the shares he owns. He would recuse himself from dealings with ICF, the official said.

Mr. Moniz couldn't be reached for comment.

The Public Accountability Initiative, a nonprofit critical of the natural-gas-drilling industry, issued a report Wednesday saying Mr. Moniz should have more publicly disclosed his and other researchers' ties to the oil and gas industry when rolling out a 2011 Massachusetts Institute of Technology report titled "The Future of Natural Gas." Mr. Moniz oversaw the report as director of MIT's Energy Initiative.

After taking the position on ICF's board in June 2011, Mr. Moniz presented the findings of the report to Congress the following month with a statement that didn't mention funding from the oil and gas industry. The report endorsed unfettered exports of natural gas and said the environmental impacts of extracting gas "are challenging but manageable."

The Public Accountability Initiative said the MIT report "was far from being independent of industry." It said oil and gas companies helped fund the MIT office that wrote it, while several academics who participated served in industry roles.

"It appears that Moniz did nothing to manage or disclose these conflicts of interest," said Kevin Connor, a spokesman for the Public Accountability Initiative.

Victoria Ekstrom, a spokeswoman for the MIT Energy Initiative, said, "The notion that these findings are developed based on anything other than the unbiased research of MIT researchers is false." She said that the MIT report also called for the gas industry to be transparent about its drilling practices and that MIT Energy Initiative researchers are also studying nuclear and solar power.

White House spokesman Clark Stevens said Mr. Moniz's work at MIT "demonstrates his ability to work collaboratively with a wide spectrum of stakeholders on a broad range of energy issues."

As energy secretary, Mr. Moniz would oversee federal research programs and nuclear-weapon stockpiles. He would have a prominent voice in setting the administration's energy policies.

Natural-gas drilling is mostly regulated by other agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior.

Copyright (c) 2012 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

US Energy Secretary Nominee Has Ties to Consultancy

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's pick for energy secretary owned shares in an energy consultancy that has worked for government agencies and the oil and gas industry, according to financial filings.

Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist who is Mr. Obama's nominee to head the Department of Energy, sits on the board of directors of ICF International Inc., which consulted for the department on the potential of energy-efficient technologies and did a study measuring the benefits of exporting U.S. natural gas for the American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas industry group.

Mr. Moniz's favorable view of natural gas has made some environmental watchdogs skeptical of his nomination, though a number of environmental groups have praised the choice. His views on natural gas also may help him gain support from lawmakers who support drilling, and his position on the issue fits with that of Mr. Obama, who has touted the newfound U.S. supply of gas as an economic boon.

An ICF spokesman, Steve Anderson, said less than 2% of the company's revenue comes from its oil and gas work and most of the firm's energy work is with utilities. "We do no advocacy work, that's for sure," Mr. Anderson said.

As of June 1 last year, Mr. Moniz owned more than 10,000 shares of ICF, a Securities and Exchange Commission filing shows. The shares would be worth about $277,000 at Thursday's midday price of about $27. Roughly half of the shares vest later this year, the filing said, meaning Mr. Moniz won't be able to sell them until then.

An Obama administration official said Mr. Moniz will follow the path of other cabinet nominees in resigning from the ICF board upon confirmation by the Senate and forfeiting or divesting the shares he owns. He would recuse himself from dealings with ICF, the official said.

Mr. Moniz couldn't be reached for comment.

The Public Accountability Initiative, a nonprofit critical of the natural-gas-drilling industry, issued a report Wednesday saying Mr. Moniz should have more publicly disclosed his and other researchers' ties to the oil and gas industry when rolling out a 2011 Massachusetts Institute of Technology report titled "The Future of Natural Gas." Mr. Moniz oversaw the report as director of MIT's Energy Initiative.

After taking the position on ICF's board in June 2011, Mr. Moniz presented the findings of the report to Congress the following month with a statement that didn't mention funding from the oil and gas industry. The report endorsed unfettered exports of natural gas and said the environmental impacts of extracting gas "are challenging but manageable."

The Public Accountability Initiative said the MIT report "was far from being independent of industry." It said oil and gas companies helped fund the MIT office that wrote it, while several academics who participated served in industry roles.

"It appears that Moniz did nothing to manage or disclose these conflicts of interest," said Kevin Connor, a spokesman for the Public Accountability Initiative.

Victoria Ekstrom, a spokeswoman for the MIT Energy Initiative, said, "The notion that these findings are developed based on anything other than the unbiased research of MIT researchers is false." She said that the MIT report also called for the gas industry to be transparent about its drilling practices and that MIT Energy Initiative researchers are also studying nuclear and solar power.

White House spokesman Clark Stevens said Mr. Moniz's work at MIT "demonstrates his ability to work collaboratively with a wide spectrum of stakeholders on a broad range of energy issues."

As energy secretary, Mr. Moniz would oversee federal research programs and nuclear-weapon stockpiles. He would have a prominent voice in setting the administration's energy policies.

Natural-gas drilling is mostly regulated by other agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior.

Copyright (c) 2012 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

CEA Welcomes Next Interior Secretary Nomination

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that Sally Jewell, the CEO of outdoor gear company REI, is the administration's choice to become the nation's 51st Secretary of the Interior. Jewell is a relative newcomer to political circles. Consumer Energy Alliance welcomes the opportunity to learn more about Ms. Jewell's priorities during the confirmation process.

Upon release of the announcement, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

"As others have noted, the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior is extremely broad and requires leadership that recognizes the multiple goals and the responsible use of our nation's federal lands and resources. CEA and our more than 200 affiliate members representing virtually every aspect of the U.S. economy look forward to learning about Ms. Jewell's thoughts on this matter and her priorities for the Department of the Interior during the forthcoming confirmation process."

"One of the most defining issues for the next Secretary of the Interior will be providing consistent and reasonable access to abundant energy resources located within the boundaries of our federal lands. The next Secretary of the Interior will preside over decisions that could dramatically change the trajectory of our energy future, namely the future of Outer Continental Shelf energy development and hydraulic fracturing on public lands. Developing these resources while protecting our environment is of the utmost importance, and one that could allow the U.S. to become energy self-sufficient in just a few years."

"Given these multiple goals, it's comforting to know that as the executive of a multi-billion dollar retail business, Jewell should understand well the impact that high energy costs can have on operational expenses for businesses and the price of manufactured goods, including REI's signature camping gear and other products. As such, CEA hopes Jewell will pursue efforts that thoughtfully expand domestic energy production – both traditional and renewable – in order to support American businesses and consumers."

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

CEA Welcomes Next Interior Secretary Nomination

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that Sally Jewell, the CEO of outdoor gear company REI, is the administration's choice to become the nation's 51st Secretary of the Interior. Jewell is a relative newcomer to political circles. Consumer Energy Alliance welcomes the opportunity to learn more about Ms. Jewell's priorities during the confirmation process.

Upon release of the announcement, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

"As others have noted, the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior is extremely broad and requires leadership that recognizes the multiple goals and the responsible use of our nation's federal lands and resources. CEA and our more than 200 affiliate members representing virtually every aspect of the U.S. economy look forward to learning about Ms. Jewell's thoughts on this matter and her priorities for the Department of the Interior during the forthcoming confirmation process."

"One of the most defining issues for the next Secretary of the Interior will be providing consistent and reasonable access to abundant energy resources located within the boundaries of our federal lands. The next Secretary of the Interior will preside over decisions that could dramatically change the trajectory of our energy future, namely the future of Outer Continental Shelf energy development and hydraulic fracturing on public lands. Developing these resources while protecting our environment is of the utmost importance, and one that could allow the U.S. to become energy self-sufficient in just a few years."

"Given these multiple goals, it's comforting to know that as the executive of a multi-billion dollar retail business, Jewell should understand well the impact that high energy costs can have on operational expenses for businesses and the price of manufactured goods, including REI's signature camping gear and other products. As such, CEA hopes Jewell will pursue efforts that thoughtfully expand domestic energy production – both traditional and renewable – in order to support American businesses and consumers."

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Energy Secretary Chu to Resign

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will resign from his position, with plans to return to teaching and research in California, Chu told U.S. Department of Energy employees in a letter Friday.

"I came with dreams, and am leaving with a set of accomplishments that we should all be proud of," said Chu, noting that his time as energy secretary had been "incredibly demanding but enormously rewarding".

Chu, who won the Noble Prize in Physics in 1997, has been an advocate for more research into renewable energy and nuclear power and away from fossil fuels. Chu was director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the time of his appointment as energy secretary.

Chu's list of accomplishments did not include mention of Solyndra, the Fremont, California-based manufacturer of solar cells and a start-up company that received DOE funding. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2011. Instead, Chu noted the growing private sector investment seen in the last two years in renewable energy, including investments by Warren Buffet, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Google.

"Through the Recovery Act, the Department of Energy made grants and loans to more than 1,300 companies," Chu commented. "While critics try hard to discredit the program, the truth is that only one percent of the companies we funded went bankrupt. That one percent has gotten more attention than the 99 percent that have not."

The test for America's policy makers will be whether they are willing to accept a few failures in exchange for any successes, Chu added.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaders in global clean energy race understand that not every risk can – or should – be avoided. Michelangelo said, 'The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.'"

Chu's list of accomplishments in the letter include bringing from the drawing board to reality the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which was designed to support high-risk, high-reward technology development, and to "swing for game-changing home runs" that can fundamentally transform energy technologies.

The program has earned the respect of industry and academia for its outstanding funding choices, and active, thoughtful program management. In the programs first few years, 11 of the companies funded with $40 million have attracted over $200 million in combined private investment.

"While it is too early to tell if we have home runs like ARPA-net, there are a number of investments that have certainly rounded second base," Chu commented.

ARPA-E's initial $400 million budget was part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ARPA-E has requested $350 million from U.S. Congress for Fiscal Year 2013 and is awaiting final appropriation.

The ARPA-E approach is being used in other areas of the DOE, including SunShot, the DOE's revitalized solar photovoltaic program. During his term as secretary, Chu also sought to encourage development of more economical utility scale solar energy, as well as advancing research into batteries for plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and development of batteries for plug-in EVs that would revolutionize the U.S. electrical distribution system and renewable energy use.

Chu also pointed to tangible signs of success during his term, including the doubling of wind and solar energy, a $36 billion investment through the Recovery Act to create clean energy jobs, and the launch of President Obama's Better Buildings Challenge, which helped one million low income homeowners weatherize their homes.

Under Chu's oversight, DOE also administered a program that generated a portfolio of loans and loan guarantees to 33 clean energy and advanced automotive manufacturing projects that Chu said would support 60,000 jobs and create $55 billion in economic investment.

The portfolio includes the construction, retooling and reopening of over a dozen auto manufacturing plants, the first national scale rooftop solar project, the first nuclear power plants in three decades, and wind arms, solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar power plants that will be among the largest worldwide, Chu commented.

Finally, Chu emphasized the importance of DOE's missions to U.S. economic prosperity, dependency on foreign and climate change. He noted that the U.S. spent approximately $430 billion on foreign oil imports in 2012, and spent many billions more on keeping oil shipping lanes open.

He also noted that overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity has had "a significant and likely dominant role in climate change."

Chu acknowledged that the U.S.' ability to find and extract fossil fuels continues to improve, and economically recoverable reservoirs worldwide are likely to keep pace with rising demand for decades, and said the boom in U.S. shale gas production as made possible by DOE research from 1978 to 1991. But he added that the same opportunity lies before the U.S. with energy efficiency and clean energy.

"The cost of renewable energy is rapidly becoming competitive with other sources of energy, and the Department has played a significant role in accelerating the transition to affordable, accessible and sustainable energy," Chu concluded.

Chu said he would stay on as Secretary past the ARPA-E Summit at the end of this month and perhaps longer to allow DOE to name a new secretary.

Karen Boman has more than 10 years of experience covering the upstream oil and gas sector. Email Karen at kboman@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Energy Secretary Chu to Resign

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will resign from his position, with plans to return to teaching and research in California, Chu told U.S. Department of Energy employees in a letter Friday.

"I came with dreams, and am leaving with a set of accomplishments that we should all be proud of," said Chu, noting that his time as energy secretary had been "incredibly demanding but enormously rewarding".

Chu, who won the Noble Prize in Physics in 1997, has been an advocate for more research into renewable energy and nuclear power and away from fossil fuels. Chu was director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the time of his appointment as energy secretary.

Chu's list of accomplishments did not include mention of Solyndra, the Fremont, California-based manufacturer of solar cells and a start-up company that received DOE funding. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2011. Instead, Chu noted the growing private sector investment seen in the last two years in renewable energy, including investments by Warren Buffet, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Google.

"Through the Recovery Act, the Department of Energy made grants and loans to more than 1,300 companies," Chu commented. "While critics try hard to discredit the program, the truth is that only one percent of the companies we funded went bankrupt. That one percent has gotten more attention than the 99 percent that have not."

The test for America's policy makers will be whether they are willing to accept a few failures in exchange for any successes, Chu added.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaders in global clean energy race understand that not every risk can – or should – be avoided. Michelangelo said, 'The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.'"

Chu's list of accomplishments in the letter include bringing from the drawing board to reality the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which was designed to support high-risk, high-reward technology development, and to "swing for game-changing home runs" that can fundamentally transform energy technologies.

The program has earned the respect of industry and academia for its outstanding funding choices, and active, thoughtful program management. In the programs first few years, 11 of the companies funded with $40 million have attracted over $200 million in combined private investment.

"While it is too early to tell if we have home runs like ARPA-net, there are a number of investments that have certainly rounded second base," Chu commented.

ARPA-E's initial $400 million budget was part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ARPA-E has requested $350 million from U.S. Congress for Fiscal Year 2013 and is awaiting final appropriation.

The ARPA-E approach is being used in other areas of the DOE, including SunShot, the DOE's revitalized solar photovoltaic program. During his term as secretary, Chu also sought to encourage development of more economical utility scale solar energy, as well as advancing research into batteries for plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and development of batteries for plug-in EVs that would revolutionize the U.S. electrical distribution system and renewable energy use.

Chu also pointed to tangible signs of success during his term, including the doubling of wind and solar energy, a $36 billion investment through the Recovery Act to create clean energy jobs, and the launch of President Obama's Better Buildings Challenge, which helped one million low income homeowners weatherize their homes.

Under Chu's oversight, DOE also administered a program that generated a portfolio of loans and loan guarantees to 33 clean energy and advanced automotive manufacturing projects that Chu said would support 60,000 jobs and create $55 billion in economic investment.

The portfolio includes the construction, retooling and reopening of over a dozen auto manufacturing plants, the first national scale rooftop solar project, the first nuclear power plants in three decades, and wind arms, solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar power plants that will be among the largest worldwide, Chu commented.

Finally, Chu emphasized the importance of DOE's missions to U.S. economic prosperity, dependency on foreign and climate change. He noted that the U.S. spent approximately $430 billion on foreign oil imports in 2012, and spent many billions more on keeping oil shipping lanes open.

He also noted that overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity has had "a significant and likely dominant role in climate change."

Chu acknowledged that the U.S.' ability to find and extract fossil fuels continues to improve, and economically recoverable reservoirs worldwide are likely to keep pace with rising demand for decades, and said the boom in U.S. shale gas production as made possible by DOE research from 1978 to 1991. But he added that the same opportunity lies before the U.S. with energy efficiency and clean energy.

"The cost of renewable energy is rapidly becoming competitive with other sources of energy, and the Department has played a significant role in accelerating the transition to affordable, accessible and sustainable energy," Chu concluded.

Chu said he would stay on as Secretary past the ARPA-E Summit at the end of this month and perhaps longer to allow DOE to name a new secretary.

Karen Boman has more than 10 years of experience covering the upstream oil and gas sector. Email Karen at kboman@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Energy Secretary Chu to Resign

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will resign from his position, with plans to return to teaching and research in California, Chu told U.S. Department of Energy employees in a letter Friday.

"I came with dreams, and am leaving with a set of accomplishments that we should all be proud of," said Chu, noting that his time as energy secretary had been "incredibly demanding but enormously rewarding".

Chu, who won the Noble Prize in Physics in 1997, has been an advocate for more research into renewable energy and nuclear power and away from fossil fuels. Chu was director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the time of his appointment as energy secretary.

Chu's list of accomplishments did not include mention of Solyndra, the Fremont, California-based manufacturer of solar cells and a start-up company that received DOE funding. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2011. Instead, Chu noted the growing private sector investment seen in the last two years in renewable energy, including investments by Warren Buffet, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Google.

"Through the Recovery Act, the Department of Energy made grants and loans to more than 1,300 companies," Chu commented. "While critics try hard to discredit the program, the truth is that only one percent of the companies we funded went bankrupt. That one percent has gotten more attention than the 99 percent that have not."

The test for America's policy makers will be whether they are willing to accept a few failures in exchange for any successes, Chu added.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaders in global clean energy race understand that not every risk can – or should – be avoided. Michelangelo said, 'The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.'"

Chu's list of accomplishments in the letter include bringing from the drawing board to reality the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which was designed to support high-risk, high-reward technology development, and to "swing for game-changing home runs" that can fundamentally transform energy technologies.

The program has earned the respect of industry and academia for its outstanding funding choices, and active, thoughtful program management. In the programs first few years, 11 of the companies funded with $40 million have attracted over $200 million in combined private investment.

"While it is too early to tell if we have home runs like ARPA-net, there are a number of investments that have certainly rounded second base," Chu commented.

ARPA-E's initial $400 million budget was part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ARPA-E has requested $350 million from U.S. Congress for Fiscal Year 2013 and is awaiting final appropriation.

The ARPA-E approach is being used in other areas of the DOE, including SunShot, the DOE's revitalized solar photovoltaic program. During his term as secretary, Chu also sought to encourage development of more economical utility scale solar energy, as well as advancing research into batteries for plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and development of batteries for plug-in EVs that would revolutionize the U.S. electrical distribution system and renewable energy use.

Chu also pointed to tangible signs of success during his term, including the doubling of wind and solar energy, a $36 billion investment through the Recovery Act to create clean energy jobs, and the launch of President Obama's Better Buildings Challenge, which helped one million low income homeowners weatherize their homes.

Under Chu's oversight, DOE also administered a program that generated a portfolio of loans and loan guarantees to 33 clean energy and advanced automotive manufacturing projects that Chu said would support 60,000 jobs and create $55 billion in economic investment.

The portfolio includes the construction, retooling and reopening of over a dozen auto manufacturing plants, the first national scale rooftop solar project, the first nuclear power plants in three decades, and wind arms, solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar power plants that will be among the largest worldwide, Chu commented.

Finally, Chu emphasized the importance of DOE's missions to U.S. economic prosperity, dependency on foreign and climate change. He noted that the U.S. spent approximately $430 billion on foreign oil imports in 2012, and spent many billions more on keeping oil shipping lanes open.

He also noted that overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity has had "a significant and likely dominant role in climate change."

Chu acknowledged that the U.S.' ability to find and extract fossil fuels continues to improve, and economically recoverable reservoirs worldwide are likely to keep pace with rising demand for decades, and said the boom in U.S. shale gas production as made possible by DOE research from 1978 to 1991. But he added that the same opportunity lies before the U.S. with energy efficiency and clean energy.

"The cost of renewable energy is rapidly becoming competitive with other sources of energy, and the Department has played a significant role in accelerating the transition to affordable, accessible and sustainable energy," Chu concluded.

Chu said he would stay on as Secretary past the ARPA-E Summit at the end of this month and perhaps longer to allow DOE to name a new secretary.

Karen Boman has more than 10 years of experience covering the upstream oil and gas sector. Email Karen at kboman@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

UK Energy Secretary Expects 28 New Fields on UKCS in 2013

The UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey confirmed at a meeting in Parliament Wednesday night that the government expects around 28 new oil and gas fields on the UK Continental Shelf to get approval this year, following the approval of 29 projects in 2012.

Speaking at the British Oil & Gas Industry All Party Parliamentary Group at its annual reception at Westminster Palace, which was attended by Rigzone, Mr Davey reiterated the UK government’s support for the UK oil & gas industry.

"Oil and gas will form an integral part of the UK energy mix for decades to come. Over 70 percent of the UK's primary energy demand may still be filled by oil and gas into the 2040s. With 20 billion barrels or more still to be drawn from the UK’s North Sea fields, having an indigenous source helps prevent overreliance on imports from more volatile parts of the world," Mr Davey said.

"So the UK oil and gas industry is a vitally important strategic resource now and over the next half century, to help fulfill our energy needs and as a contribution to the UK’s energy security."

Davey illustrated how the UK government has been acting to encourage investment and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

"Introducing, for instance, new field allowances West of Shetland; extending the small fields allowance; and putting in place new allowances for shallow-water gas fields."

The result of this has seen the level of investment in new oil and gas fields increase significantly in recent years, the Energy Secretary pointed out.

"The level of investment in new oil and gas projects sanctioned in 2011 was over 10 times the amount of 2009. 18 projects with a total value of $20.5 billion (GBP 13 billion) were approved. In 2012, 29 projects [were] approved with capital expenditure of over $17.3 billion (GBP 11 billion). In 2013, we are already expecting around 28 new fields to get approval."

Also at the meeting was Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb, who commented in his own speech: "We welcome the Coalition government’s new long-term approach to the UK oil and gas industry which is already reaping rewards for the British economy... With improvements to the tax regime as a result of better engagement with the Treasury, no less than 30 new offshore oil and gas developments were approved in the last twelve months.

"Furthermore, 167 new licences to explore for petroleum in UK offshore waters were awarded in the latest licensing round. This upturn is set to continue and presents excellent business opportunities right across our world-class supply chain to the benefit of the UK’s energy security, balance of trade and tax revenues. Most importantly at this time however, it has, as predicted, resulted in thousands of new and well paid jobs."

Statoil said in December that its recent decision to go ahead with its $7 billion-plus Mariner heavy oil field in the UK North Sea was positively affected by the expansion of the UK's Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement – a measure taken by the UK government to support investment in marginal fields.

A former engineer, Jon is an award-winning editor who has covered the technology, engineering and energy sectors since the mid-1990s. Email Jon at jmainwaring@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

UK Energy Secretary Expects 28 New Fields on UKCS in 2013

The UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey confirmed at a meeting in Parliament Wednesday night that the government expects around 28 new oil and gas fields on the UK Continental Shelf to get approval this year, following the approval of 29 projects in 2012.

Speaking at the British Oil & Gas Industry All Party Parliamentary Group at its annual reception at Westminster Palace, which was attended by Rigzone, Mr Davey reiterated the UK government’s support for the UK oil & gas industry.

"Oil and gas will form an integral part of the UK energy mix for decades to come. Over 70 percent of the UK's primary energy demand may still be filled by oil and gas into the 2040s. With 20 billion barrels or more still to be drawn from the UK’s North Sea fields, having an indigenous source helps prevent overreliance on imports from more volatile parts of the world," Mr Davey said.

"So the UK oil and gas industry is a vitally important strategic resource now and over the next half century, to help fulfill our energy needs and as a contribution to the UK’s energy security."

Davey illustrated how the UK government has been acting to encourage investment and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

"Introducing, for instance, new field allowances West of Shetland; extending the small fields allowance; and putting in place new allowances for shallow-water gas fields."

The result of this has seen the level of investment in new oil and gas fields increase significantly in recent years, the Energy Secretary pointed out.

"The level of investment in new oil and gas projects sanctioned in 2011 was over 10 times the amount of 2009. 18 projects with a total value of $20.5 billion (GBP 13 billion) were approved. In 2012, 29 projects [were] approved with capital expenditure of over $17.3 billion (GBP 11 billion). In 2013, we are already expecting around 28 new fields to get approval."

Also at the meeting was Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb, who commented in his own speech: "We welcome the Coalition government’s new long-term approach to the UK oil and gas industry which is already reaping rewards for the British economy... With improvements to the tax regime as a result of better engagement with the Treasury, no less than 30 new offshore oil and gas developments were approved in the last twelve months.

"Furthermore, 167 new licences to explore for petroleum in UK offshore waters were awarded in the latest licensing round. This upturn is set to continue and presents excellent business opportunities right across our world-class supply chain to the benefit of the UK’s energy security, balance of trade and tax revenues. Most importantly at this time however, it has, as predicted, resulted in thousands of new and well paid jobs."

Statoil said in December that its recent decision to go ahead with its $7 billion-plus Mariner heavy oil field in the UK North Sea was positively affected by the expansion of the UK's Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement – a measure taken by the UK government to support investment in marginal fields.

A former engineer, Jon is an award-winning editor who has covered the technology, engineering and energy sectors since the mid-1990s. Email Jon at jmainwaring@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

UK Energy Secretary Expects 28 New Fields on UKCS in 2013

The UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey confirmed at a meeting in Parliament Wednesday night that the government expects around 28 new oil and gas fields on the UK Continental Shelf to get approval this year, following the approval of 29 projects in 2012.

Speaking at the British Oil & Gas Industry All Party Parliamentary Group at its annual reception at Westminster Palace, which was attended by Rigzone, Mr Davey reiterated the UK government’s support for the UK oil & gas industry.

"Oil and gas will form an integral part of the UK energy mix for decades to come. Over 70 percent of the UK's primary energy demand may still be filled by oil and gas into the 2040s. With 20 billion barrels or more still to be drawn from the UK’s North Sea fields, having an indigenous source helps prevent overreliance on imports from more volatile parts of the world," Mr Davey said.

"So the UK oil and gas industry is a vitally important strategic resource now and over the next half century, to help fulfill our energy needs and as a contribution to the UK’s energy security."

Davey illustrated how the UK government has been acting to encourage investment and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

"Introducing, for instance, new field allowances West of Shetland; extending the small fields allowance; and putting in place new allowances for shallow-water gas fields."

The result of this has seen the level of investment in new oil and gas fields increase significantly in recent years, the Energy Secretary pointed out.

"The level of investment in new oil and gas projects sanctioned in 2011 was over 10 times the amount of 2009. 18 projects with a total value of $20.5 billion (GBP 13 billion) were approved. In 2012, 29 projects [were] approved with capital expenditure of over $17.3 billion (GBP 11 billion). In 2013, we are already expecting around 28 new fields to get approval."

Also at the meeting was Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb, who commented in his own speech: "We welcome the Coalition government’s new long-term approach to the UK oil and gas industry which is already reaping rewards for the British economy... With improvements to the tax regime as a result of better engagement with the Treasury, no less than 30 new offshore oil and gas developments were approved in the last twelve months.

"Furthermore, 167 new licences to explore for petroleum in UK offshore waters were awarded in the latest licensing round. This upturn is set to continue and presents excellent business opportunities right across our world-class supply chain to the benefit of the UK’s energy security, balance of trade and tax revenues. Most importantly at this time however, it has, as predicted, resulted in thousands of new and well paid jobs."

Statoil said in December that its recent decision to go ahead with its $7 billion-plus Mariner heavy oil field in the UK North Sea was positively affected by the expansion of the UK's Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement – a measure taken by the UK government to support investment in marginal fields.

A former engineer, Jon is an award-winning editor who has covered the technology, engineering and energy sectors since the mid-1990s. Email Jon at jmainwaring@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

WHL Energy Appoints Ex-Exoma Founding MD as Company Secretary

Australian-listed WHL Energy said Wednesday that it has appointed David Rowbottam as Company Secretary. Rowbottam's appointment will be effective Jan. 31.

Rowbottam will add the duties of Company Secretary to his current role as WHL Energy's Finance Director. He brings to the expanded role recent experience as a General Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Controller and Company Secretary. He has also held senior management positions with a number of companies including Antares Energy, Alinta Group and the BHP Group.

Rowbottam was the founding Managing Director of ASX-listed oil and gas exploration company Exoma Energy until March 2010, and he remains a Director of several unlisted companies.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

View the original article here

Bill Ritter said to be under consideration for Energy Secretary

Font ResizeLocal NewsBy Allison Sherry
The Denver Postdenverpost.comPosted: 12/18/2012 02:12:18 PM MSTDecember 19, 2012 2:16 AM GMTUpdated: 12/18/2012 07:16:55 PM MST


View the Original article

How Republicans Would Benefit From John Kerry Secretary of State Nomination

GOP Lawmaker’s Solution to Preventing Mass Shootings: More Guns

The Future of Gun Control in the Aftermath of Sandy Hook

Why Is Washington Obsessing About the Deficit and Not Jobs and Wages?
By Robert Reich The Future of Gun Control in the Aftermath of Sandy Hook
By Bill Blum Dear God! When Will It Stop?
By Marian Wright Edelman Questions I Ask Myself About the Connecticut School Shooting
By Juan Cole
Red States Surrender Health Care Oversight to Federal Government Insurance Industry Is Taking Climate Change Seriously Weaker Social Networks a Cause of Black Unemployment, Study Finds Dream of a Global Climate Deal Is Over, Experts Say U.N. Conference Produces No Internet Treaty
Watch: ‘SNL’ Honors Connecticut School Shooting Victims GOP Lawmaker’s Solution to Preventing Mass Shootings: More Guns ‘Left, Right & Center:’ School Shooting, Susan Rice Withdraws, and More Mike Huckabee Blames Connecticut Shooting on Separation of Church and State
Hollywood’s Raid on Convention
By Richard Schickel Understanding Economics in Plain English
By Thomas Hedges, Center for Study of Responsive Law Regulate Dissent in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan Says
Fighting Manifest Destiny
By Jonathan Yardley
The Questions Education Reformers Aren’t Asking
Dig led by Mike Rose

Gore Vidal: His Life and Legacy
Dig led by Truthdig Staff

advertisement

-->
Gringos in ParadiseBy Barry Golson
$17.16

advertisement

-->
The World That Made New OrleansBy Ned Sublette
$16.47

advertisement

-->
Ash Grey T-Shirt$19

  Email    Print    Share

Tweet Posted on Dec 16, 2012 Wikimedia Commons/United States Congress

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.

It seems Republicans will get their man after all. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., is reportedly now President Obama’s top choice to succeed Hillary Clinton as secretary of state after Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration for the top diplomat position late last week. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations faced tough opposition from Republicans for her response to the deadly assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in September.

So why does the GOP want a Secretary of State John Kerry? Simple. In order to take a Cabinet post in the Obama administration, Kerry must vacate his long-held Senate seat, something that potentially paves the way for Scott Brown to be elected again to represent Massachusetts in the Senate. Brown lost his re-election bid to Democrat Elizabeth Warren last month. Republicans would love to add another member to the Senate, where they are the minority party.

The Note:

Sen. Scott Brown is widely expected to seek out his old job and he would be viewed as a strong contender, particularly in a special election to fill Kerry’s vacancy. Republicans have a tendency to perform better in special elections, which draw many fewer voters.

But it would be at least six months – assuming that Kerry is confirmed as Secretary of State, which he is expected to be- and assuming that Brown wins a special election – before he could re-join the Senate.

Massachusetts law dictates that a special election cannot take place sooner than 145 days from the time an out-going Congress member’s resignation is effective, meaning that at least 145 days must pass between the date that member actually leaves their job and the date that the special occurs. At this juncture in time,  even if Kerry is nominated tomorrow and has an incredibly quick confirmation at the beginning of the next Congress, the earliest conceivable date to reach this mark is in June, 2013.

Read more

—Posted by Tracy Bloom.

More Below the Ad

Advertisement

TAGS: barack obama elizabeth warren hillary clinton john kerry massachusettes massachusetts senate race obama administration politics republicans scott brown secretary of state state department susan rice



Related Entries Why Is Washington Obsessing About the Deficit and Not Jobs and Wages? ‘Left, Right & Center:’ School Shooting, Susan Rice Withdraws, and More Understanding Economics in Plain English Economist Baker Echoes Paul Krugman: There Is No Fiscal Cliff

Email to a friend

Get truth delivered to
your inbox every week.

Previous item: Red States Surrender Health Care Oversight to Federal Government

New and Improved Comments

If you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Get Truthdig in your inbox

Newsletter

Become a Fan

Follow Us

Subscribe

     
       #donation_div {display:none;}.popup {background:#FFF; border:1px solid #333; padding:1px;}.popup-header {height:65px; padding: 30px 40px 10px 50px;}.popup-header h2 {margin:0; padding:0; font-size:18px; float:left;}.popup-header .close-link {float:right; font-size:11px;}.popup-body {padding: 20px 70px 20px 50px;}a {color: #990000;}Close

Give the gift of independent journalism.

Support Truthdig by making a donation of at least $25 in someone's name, and we'll send him or her a signed letter of appreciation from our publisher.

With your support, we've been able to pay writers such as Chris Hedges, Col. Ann Wright, Mr. Fish and Nomi Prins.

We've sent reporters around the world, from Afghanistan to Cairo to Cuba.

Thanks to you, our mission to find and publish a range of insightful opinion and analysis from a progressive point of view continues.

Support Truthdig

HOME|Digs|Reports|Arts & Culture|Uncovered|Ear to the Ground|A/V Booth|Cartoons
Tags|Bazaar|Podcast|About Us|Contact Us|User Agreement|Privacy Policy|FAQ: Comments and Moderation | Google+ Google+
A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion. Editor, Robert Scheer. Publisher, Zuade Kaufman.
© 2012 Truthdig, LLC. All rights reserved. Web site development by Hop Studios 

View the Original article