The Manhattan Institute’s Max Schulz, in commenting on Obama’s Energy and EPA picks, adds:
Obama did make an exceptional pick on the energy front — but he did it three weeks ago and in a different context. On November 22, the president-elect picked Gen. James Jones to serve as national-security adviser. Not only is Jones a decorated soldier, he currently leads the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of Chevron — one of the Big Oil behemoths Obama has excoriated. Jones has examined many of the truly pressing energy and environmental issues from the perspective of economic and national security. He understands the complexity of international energy markets. And he brings a seriousness to energy questions that, frankly, is lacking at the top of Obama’s green team. With luck, Jones will emerge as a leading voice in the administration, and as a check on climate-change czarina Carol Browner’s regulatory zeal.