The BlueGreen Alliance, a group made up of unions and environmental groups, thanked Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Ph.D., who recently announced his departure from the Obama administration.

“Today, energy issues are as important in this country as they have ever been,” said alliance Executive Director David Foster. “Over the past four years, Secretary Chu has effectively led important discussions on how to address climate change and expand clean, renewable energy — leading the BlueGreen Alliance to name him our 2011 green jobs champion. His implementation of critical clean energy programs in manufacturing and electric vehicles put America on a path to compete in a global clean economy. His leadership in these areas also demonstrated a commitment to reducing carbon pollution and lessening our dependence on foreign oil."

The BlueGreen Alliance’s members include the Sheet Metal Workers union.  

“We thank Secretary Chu for his service,” Foster added. “We look forward to working with his successor to help America continue to lead the way on clean energy and advanced vehicles, which will reduce carbon pollution, create jobs and help address climate change.”