Bravo to Energy Secretary Stephen Chu

Energy Secretary Stephen Chu walked into the lion's den today, otherwise known as the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and roundly defended the administration's efforts to compete in the global race for green technologies. Here are his prepared remarks: http://energy.gov/articles/my-testimony-house-energy-and-commerce-committee.

With Republicans eager to play "gotcha" and nail the Obama camp over $535 million that was lost in the bankruptcy of solar panel maker Solyndra, Chu said, "When it comes to the clean energy race, America faces a simple choice: complete or accept defeat."

What the Republicans have yet to offer is their vision of how America can compete against China in this battle for the future. Do they think we should remain committed to our current mix of petroleum and natural gas and coal simply because those industries are in key states and provide major contributions to these politicians? Or can the Republicans rise up to a higher level and acknowledge that there is a future in solar and wind energy, and we have to be part of it. The United States does not have to dominate the global industry, but we need to carve out and maintain a position of technological leadership.