"Steve is a proven leader with a passion for education and science and a talent for identifying new solutions to pressing problems. While he will be greatly missed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Steve will bring to Washington a distinguished record of scientific achievement and a deep understanding of the energy, environmental and national security issues at the heart of the Department of Energy's portfolio.

"Steve also offers extensive experience with the important role that research conducted in universities and national laboratories across the country plays in addressing our nation's greatest scientific and technological challenges. Steve's vision and commitment to the development of new technologies to address our critical energy problems is exactly what our nation needs at this time. The University of California is proud of its partnership with the Department of Energy and looks forward to working with Steve as secretary of energy.

"At the appropriate time, assuming Steve's confirmation, I expect to appoint an interim director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory pending the search for a permanent successor. In the meantime, Steve has the best wishes and heartiest congratulations of the University of California community."

For more information:
Berkeley Lab release
UC Berkeley release
President-elect Barack Obama release

See also:
Sen. Dianne Feinstein statement
Rep. Barbara Lee statement
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger statement