Topic: Steven Chu

North Korea rebuffs Obama's warnings at nuclear summit (+video)

President Obama's admonition against firing a long-range rocket next month went unheeded by North Korea, which argued it is for economic development. Will China and Russia have any sway?

President Algae? Obama not green enough, say environmentalists

President Obama has blocked the Keystone pipeline, backed biofuels, and prioritizes the earth over people, say GOP presidential candidates. Environmentalists say Obama is a big disappointment. Who's right?

Mitt Romney's top 5 attacks on President Obama

Mitt Romney has yet to nail down the Republican presidential nomination, but he’s already attacking President Obama. Here's a look at five of Mr. Romney’s charges – and whether they’re true.

Newt Gingrich's big Super Tuesday gambit: win the gas pump vote

Ahead of Super Tuesday, Newt Gingrich is hammering Obama for an 'anti-energy policy' and playing up his own plan to reduce gas prices. It's a solid strategy, experts say, but will primary voters bite? 

How student-built solar homes can help solve US housing and energy crisis

Few of the homes created by university teams in the Solar Decathlon are ever lived in – despite their extraordinary expense and tax on the environment. Instead of building temporary show houses, schools should build energy-efficient homes for local people who need them.

Obama: No 'silver bullet' for gas price pain. GOP says drill more.

Staking his ground, and perhaps his reelection, on a 'green' ideology, President Obama said in his weekly Saturday address that high gas prices confirm the need for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy. Republicans push more domestic oil production.

Energy secretary, grilled over Solyndra, says politics played no part in loan

Energy Secretary Chu testified in Congress Thursday for nearly four hours. He took responsibility for extending loan guarantees to the now-bankrupt Solyndra, but said his actions were strictly legal.

Solar energy loan not political, Chu says

Solar energy company, Solyndra, got $528 million federal loan based on rigorous analysis, not politics, Energy Secretary Chu says. House committee to probe loan and loan restructuring for the failed solar energy venture.

Solyndra: Did Energy Department break the law?

Solyndra loan restructuring might violate federal law, Treasury worried, according to released e-mails. House panel aims to determine Energy Department's culpability in aiding Solyndra investors ahead of taxpayers.

Solar energy: Solyndra leaders invoke 5th Amendment at hearing

Solar energy company Solyndra CEO Brian Harrison and the chief financial officer, Bill Stover, both invoked their Fifth Amendment right to decline to testify to avoid self-incrimination.

Is Obama dragging his feet on environmental issues to get reelected?

The Obama administration's recent record on environmental issues is uninspired, critics say. But the president faces more immediate problems with the economy and record-high unemployment.

FBI Solyndra raid: misuse of federal loans?

FBI Solyndra raid believed to be related to more than $500 million in federal loans the solar firm received before filing for bankruptcy. FBI: Solyndra investigation is being carried out jointly with Energy Department.

Bankruptcy of solar firm: ominous sign for industry

Bankruptcy of Solyndra, once touted by President Obama, is third failure of a US solar firm this month. Bankruptcy will serve as fuel for critics of government stimulus.

How to store nuclear waste? Panel slams US and urges new approach.

A presidential blue ribbon commission says the US government 'has not inspired confidence' and recommends that a new agency take over the search for storage sites for nuclear waste.

Four ways to survive heat wave – and keep energy bills down

As America blasts its ACs and put its fans on overdrive to try to cope with the heat wave, it will use a lot of energy – which costs a lot of money. More than 40 percent of a typical home’s utility bill goes toward cooling costs.

Here are four tips for keeping energy costs down and still staying cool.

Heat wave: Can the power grid handle it?

With the upper half of the US in the grip of a heat wave, energy usage is hitting records or near-records. But grid operators say they are prepared for the increased demand.

Don't ignore climate skeptics – talk to them differently

More scientific data won’t convince doubters of climate change. But reframing the debate as one about values could make a difference.

US to tap Strategic Petroleum Reserve to drive gas prices down

Energy Secretary Stephen Chu cites crude oil disruptions in Libya and elsewhere as reason to open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve now. Gas prices, however, have been falling in recent weeks.

US boosts 'game-changer' solar technology in bid for global market share

The Department of Energy, aiming to boost US competitiveness, gives a $150m. loan guarantee to a Massachusetts firm that has found a way to dramatically reduce the cost of solar voltaic cells.

Japan nuclear update: Where will they put the radioactive water?

As pools of highly radioactive water are found beneath Japan's damaged reactors, authorities hoping to protect the ocean and groundwater are struggling to find adequate storage.

Secretary Chu says Americans 'in no danger' from Japanese nuclear reactors

The nuclear crisis in Japan grew more troubling Sunday as efforts to control the Fukushimi Daiichi nuclear power facility continued to hit unexpected roadblocks. But Energy Secretary Steven Chu says Americans "are in no danger" from radiation.

Stocks plunge to 2011 lows on Japan crisis

Dow Industrials fall 242 points. Stocks on S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes also drop to lowest levels of the year.