Politics & Government
Energy Secretary Chu Leaves Obama Administration
The Energy Secretary is a St. Louis native. His father taught at Washington University in St. Louis.
St. Louis native Steven Chu announced Friday that he will leave his position as Energy Secretary in the Obama Administration.
Chu, the son of a Washington University professor, wants to return to academia, according to USA Today.
"I would like to return to an academic life of teaching and research, but will still work to advance the missions that we have been working on together for the last four years," Chu said in a letter to Energy Department employees.
Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Chu taught at Stanford for many years.
President Barack Obama praised Chu's work.
Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Over the past four years, we have doubled the use of renewable energy, dramatically reduced our dependence on foreign oil, and put our country on a path to win the global race for clean energy jobs," Obama said. "Thanks to Steve, we also expanded support for our brightest engineers and entrepreneurs as they pursue groundbreaking innovations that could transform our energy future."
Chu returned to Wash U in 2010 to give the commencement address. To read the full text of his speech, click here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.