Fracking Enthusiast Moniz Confirmed as Energy Secretary

[limpyhobbler]

from From Food & Water Watch on Thursday:

Washington, D.C.—“We are disappointed that the Senate has confirmed fracking proponent Dr. Ernest Moniz as Secretary of Energy. In his new position, Dr. Moniz will have the power to influence our nation’s energy future, helping to determine the forms of power that will light up America’s energy grids. He will also play a role in regulating oil and gas extraction and determining whether these resources are used here at home or shipped abroad. Dr. Moniz has significant ties to the the oil and gas industry and his confirmation makes it all the more important for President Obama to exercise leadership and reject dirty energy sources and pursue a clean energy future.

“One decision point that is fast approaching pertains to whether we should dramatically increase exports of fracked gas. Americans Against Fracking urges Dr. Moniz to reject policies that would increase the exportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sending natural gas overseas will not deliver energy independence. It will only boost oil and gas industry profits while ravaging communities here at home, poisoning the air and water that millions of Americans depend on.

“Moreover, the news last week that we are approaching the critical threshold of 400 parts per million carbon dioxide should serve as a stark warning and mandate to Dr. Moniz and President Obama to exercise serious leadership on climate change. It is imperative that we drastically reduce extraction and consumption of oil and gas and instead boldly pioneer a renewable energy-based economy. Doing so would also stimulate our economy and create jobs. Studies show that money invested in renewable energy leads to more than twice as many jobs as money invested in fossil fuels.

“This moment is a pivotal one for Dr. Moniz and the nation as a whole. He now has the opportunity to re-evaluate his ties to the oil and gas industry and push for energy solutions that benefit all Americans, not just corporations looking to turn a quick profit. We hope he exercises his new influence wisely and uses this new post to help the United States aggressively deploy truly green energy solutions such as wind and solar power.”
...

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/drilling/ohio-utica-shale-1.291290/eco-group-is-unhappy-with-moniz-confirmation-1.398438

[Champion Jack]

1. This is bad, really bad

[limpyhobbler]

2. I agree this is a complete disaster.

Unfortunately the Senate confirmed him by a vote of 97-0, so it seems the Senators are all OK with it.