The Senate voted 97-0 to confirm Ernest Moniz, a physicist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy.
Moniz served in the Department of Energy during the Clinton administration.
“I am pleased that today, by a unanimous vote, the Senate confirmed Ernest Moniz as our next Energy Secretary,” President Obama said in a statement. “Dr. Moniz is a world-class scientist with expertise in a range of energy sources and a leader with a proven record of bringing prominent thinkers and innovators together to advance new energy solutions. He also shares my conviction that the United States must lead the world in developing more sustainable sources of energy that create new jobs and new industries, and in responding to the threat of global climate change. I am thrilled that Ernie is joining my team, and I look forward to his counsel on these issues as my Administration continues to increase our nation’s energy security, strengthen our nuclear security, develop the next-generation of clean energy technologies, and compete for the jobs of the 21st century.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also praised the vote:
“I’m pleased the Senate confirmed today Dr. Moniz with a strong bipartisan vote to be Secretary of Energy. President Obama selected an outstanding leader to direct our national energy policy and move our nation closer to a clean and independent energy future. Reducing our reliance on foreign oil by developing clean, renewable energy will protect our natural resources while creating American jobs. Renewable energy development is critical to the future of Nevada’s economy, as well as the American economy overall, and I look forward to working with Dr. Moniz on policy solutions that lead to an energy independent America.”
