Government

Energy Sec. Steven Chu Backtracks: ‘I No Longer’ Want Europe’s High Gas Prices

In 2008, Obama’s Energy Secretary Steven Chu told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that he wanted to ramp up gasoline taxes over the next 15 years until they eventually were consistent with Europe’s rates.  “Somehow, we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe,” he stated clearly.

Why? According to the WSJ, the wildly increased prices would “coax consumers into buying more-efficient cars and living in neighborhoods closer to work.” [That's WSJ's paraphrase, not Chu's exact quote.]

Energy Sec. Steven Chu: I No Longer Want Europe Gas Prices

Energy Secretary Steven Chu (Photo: AP)

Now, four years later, Chu has come remarkably close to achieving his goal (albeit a little too rapidly), and the American people are not pleased.  With gasoline prices at record highs, and approval numbers at record lows, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) asked Chu at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday whether he still wants America’s gas prices at Europe levels, which could more than double our current rates.

According to the National Journal, “Chu seemed to equivocate, pause, and stumble over his words when responding to Lee’s question about high gas prices,” but ultimately stated, “I no longer hold that view.”

When asked whether he regretted his 2008 statement, Chu said “let me not comment on that.”

However, 2008 was not the only time Mr. Chu has made a remark hinting that he’s okay with higher gas prices.

On February 28 of this year, in an interview with Politico, Chu had a back-and-forth with Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.) about what high gas prices would mean for Americans.  After a number of answers that didn’t satisfy Nunnelee, he eventually asked Chu directly:

‘But is the overall goal to get the price—’

‘No, the goal is to decrease our dependency on foreign oil…’

Energy Sec. Steven Chu: I No Longer Want Europe Gas Prices

(Photo: ABC News)

Politico issued an editor’s note on March 2 saying that, since Nunnelee didn’t technically finish the question, we can’t be certain that Chu was responding to, “But is the overall goal to get the price of gas [down]?”  The reader can read the full article hereand draw their own conclusion. However National Journal notes the administration changed the narrative “only after the story was picked up by Republicans and used against the administration.”

Either way, Chu has now officially backtracked on his 2008 comments that he wanted to raise the price of gas to Europe levels.  Whether or not he is being truthful, public sentiment and the current economic state have put Chu in a position where saying he wants gas prices at “Europe levels” is no longer politically viable.

Do you believe him?

(H/T: Hot Air)

 

 

Comments (105)

1 2 3 4
  • I SPY
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:57pm

    What a worthless administration these clown acts have turned out to be. It’s worse than imagined.

    Report Post » I SPY  
  • sb36695
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:57pm

    ‘I No Longer’ Want Europe’s High Gas Prices until after the election
    FIFY

    Report Post »  
    • sb36695
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:58pm

      Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 5:20pm

      Yup: “I no longer hold that view [but will again in late November]”

      Report Post »  
    • Michael61
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 5:29pm

      Obama said it the best: President who wanted higher gas prices BEFORE the election would be stupid.

      Translation: Of course we want higher gas prices, but since we are liars (a.k.a. politicians), we will lie to voters in order to get elected.

      Report Post »  
    • cuinsong
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 5:44pm

      Somebody got taken to the wood shed for a spanking?
      “What’s Wrong With This Song” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_9134749

      Report Post » cuinsong  
    • db321
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 7:06pm

      Next we will hear:
      Obama – I no longer what Israel to go back to 1967 Borders
      Ahmadinejad – We are no longer building Nuclear Weapons
      Barney Franks – I’m no longer Gay
      Chris Mathews – I no longer get trill up my leg for Obama
      Obama – I no longer what to silence the Catholic Church
      Liberal’s – I no longer want free Health Care, BC Pills, Welfare, Obama Cell phones and Obama Cash
      Al Gore – I no longer believe that Global Warming is Man Made
      OJ Simpson – Not saying I did it – but If I did – this is how I did it

      I don’t know about you – but I believe them.

      Report Post » db321  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 8:49pm

      Oh, okay. It’s alright then. Just because you are the Secretary (Chief) over an agency whose sole purpose for existing was to assure a reliable cheap energy supply, is no reason you shouldn’t have a philosophy which is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE… Until you get what you STATED your goal was, and then get confronted with your own words.

      We are truly in BIZZARRO WORLD.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • EP46
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 6:05am

      sorry, so sorry…I want my job…forget I said that until I say it again.

      Report Post »  
    • mlite9
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 12:20pm

      …we are no longer the Knights Who Say Ni…

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Exactly right.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • geonj
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:53pm

    no, i do not believe him.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • Renthal
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:53pm

    He’s a liar just like his boss, Obama the chief liar in charge doing the work of the devil.

    Report Post »  
  • elosogrande
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:51pm

    Changed your mind? To late! You’re fired!

    Report Post »  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:49pm

    I don‘t trust him and I’d like to see him gone. Anyone who thinks that intentionally jacking up energy prices to accomplish the uncertain goal of promulgating “green energy” is not a wise policymaker. His ideas and those of his boss are costing us jobs, depressing our economy and raising the Federal deficit.

    Report Post »  
  • Gunonesis
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:44pm

    Another of Obama’s failed throne sniffin pos incompetent commie clowns who needs a good butt whoopin & jail time!

    Report Post » Gunonesis  
  • Amazingoly
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:43pm

    Why hasn’t he been fired, recalled, or arrested yet? Ridiculous at best.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 5:42pm

      You could ask that question about 95% of the people in his administration.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • stop the progressives
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 6:08pm

      He is only doing what our President wants him to do thats why.

      Report Post »  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:43pm

    Stand back everybody…..give the man some room…….he‘s gettin’ ready to fall on his own sword!

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 7:38pm

      He wont have to fall on it his boss “Sweet-Old-Barak (SOB) willl hold it and give him a shove. He is just parroting what he is told by SOB. Chu is an academic with no leadership experience and no experience in the real world (remind you of anyone else?) He has lived his life in an Ivory Tower and has no experience in real life.
      Another of SOBs minions who stepped on his Male appendage.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 4:02pm

      If only that were true, and Holder, Napalitano, and virtually EVERY other Obama appointee or czar.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:43pm

    I believe nothing out of this administration.. its all just words, blah blah blah… When they do what is right well then I might listen to them. But I trust none of them and about half of he Republican’s to.Lord help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:41pm

    Steven Chu, like his boss Obama – is gambling on American short-term memory loss as the election cycle moves closer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iyUpRSrdIk&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlTxGHn4sH4

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
  • marcus_arealius
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:38pm

    What he really means is to ban gasoline entirely. His brother-in-law has a patent on a new rectal legume based methane extractor pump, the new ‘Eat-n-Go’ engine.

    Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 6:04am

      Oh….is that the new $85 million earmarked for the development of algae-based biofuels that obama is pushing ? Spending money borrowed from China on slime !! Good work barry !

      Report Post »  
    • TRUMPETCALL
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 10:08am

      @Marcus_A: Now *that’s* FUNNY!!

      Now, as to Mr. Chu:

        “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

      And if that’s not an indictment, then how about:

        “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”
      (Romans 1:28-32)

      What should we expect from such *real* minions of Satan?

      Report Post »  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:36pm

    Is this guy even an American citizen? Just askin’

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:42pm

      Must be… any Horable Asian would commit Sepuku (suicide)… if so ImBareAssed!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • cherishedemblems
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:35pm

    This administration wants EVERYTHING in this country to be EXACTLY like Europe. My ancestors left Europe, because they hated it!!! I don’t want America to be anything like Europe. I will vote for Mitt Romney!!

    Report Post »  
    • jespasinthru
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 12:00am

      Judging by the way he governed Massachusetts, Romney looks to me like a white, American version of Obama.

      Report Post » jespasinthru  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:34pm

    “ENERGY SEC. STEVEN CHU BACKTRACKS: ‘I NO LONGER’ WANT EUROPE’S HIGH GAS PRICES“ and to finish that sentence it should read ”I no longer want Europe’s high gas prices, because my boss is in his re-election mode.”

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • weneedrubio
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:32pm

    His job is on the line, no wonder he no longer wants high gas prices. It is a toss-up as to whether Chu or Holder are worse but Obama backs them both so I guess it’s him.

    Report Post »  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:29pm

    What a JOKE.

    Why don’t they just offer 10 gallons of gas per vote.

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:29pm

    What happened to the Good Ole Days… when you hired a guy for what he said & believed… and if he was Wrong or Failed: YOU FIRED HIM!

    Chu: Does GOD exist or Not; Is there Global Warming or Not; Is America producing enough Energy or Not; Are High Gas Prices good or Nor? Pyssy Libs!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:28pm

    I know 8 year olds who lie more convincingly than this administration. They have to know that the jig is up…

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • OklahomaBound
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:39pm

      The words that came out of his lying mouth were that he (The Administration) no longer want Europe’s high gas prices here, but what he was saying in his head with his fingers crossed behind his back was; “We no longer want Europe’s high gas prices here……until after my boss Comrade Obama is reelected and then we want gas prices that make Europe‘s gas prices look like a bargain because by then you won’t be able to stop us from bringing this country down.”

      Report Post » OklahomaBound  
  • altannt
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:24pm

    What a dope just like the rest of his buddy’s.

    Report Post »  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:23pm

    Chu can “ no longer want” in one hand and crap in the other and see whihc one is full first. No matter what Chu or Obama do or say it has zero effect on the price of a gallon of oil. Our demand is down and production is up ( those are facts) but since oil is a world market we cannot control the consumption of countries like China or India . The price of gas was just as high during Bush years and higher in some cases and he couldnt do a thing about it either. I love the blurb about how low gas prices were at the end of Bush’s term. I guess we could have that back if our economy tanked and demand plummeted as it did at the end of his watch. But a snapshot of gas prices at the end of his term isnt an accurate reflection of the actual price during his term. No president can control the price of gas and to think that is either plain stupid or just people being partisan hacks. I tend to think the latter is true on this site.

    Report Post »  
  • TheBurningTruth
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:19pm

    Backtracking on a statement AFTER the administration YOU advise on energy has doubled the price of gas is pretty meaningless. It‘s like all the murderers claiming how sorry they were to have killed someone and how they wish they hadn’t. BFD. It’s done, now take your medicine.

    Report Post » TheBurningTruth  
  • TRILO
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:17pm

    But…. you have been working so hard at getting those gas prices up to European levels over the past 3+ years. For some reason we are to believe that now you no longer think this way just because you say so. Mr Chu actions speak louder than words.

    Report Post » TRILO  
  • youdidthis
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:14pm

    watched it on cspan.he was /is pushing obo’s skyrocketing ,america crushing agenda.

    Report Post »  
  • Vickie Dhaene
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:14pm

    Hey CHU we don’t believe you !!!

    Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on March 13, 2012 at 4:20pm

      he does not want the prices to go up…………until obama is reelected…………..then $8 gal……..min

      Report Post »  
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