Did You Know...

**Written by Doug Powers

There are a variety of factors that lead to fluctuations in the price of gas or the bankruptcy of government-backed companies, but we can now confirm that a low self concept at the helm of the Department of Energy is not among them.

About three weeks ago, Energy Secretary Steven Chu was asked to grade his performance when it comes to stewardship of taxpayer dollars pertaining to the “clean energy loans” program that funded such gems as Solyndra and many others. Chu gave himself a grade of A-minus.

This time around, Chu was testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Darrell Issa asked Chu to broaden his report card by also grading his handling of gas prices. The answer: Higher than an A-minus:

This guy makes his boss and fellow Nobel Prize winner look humble by comparison. Chu probably gave himself a couple of fuel price reduction effort bonus points for admitting that he no longer agrees with himself about a desire for high gas prices.

After the hearing, Chu said the GOP is obsessed with letter grade requests. Maybe Republicans are tinkering with the idea of combining the DoE with the Department of Education, and with the grades Chu has given his job performance he’d be a shoo-in to head up the “No Energy Secretary Left Behind” program.

The grade question Republicans should be asking Chu at this point is “seriously Mr. Secretary, how screwed up would things have to get for you to give yourself a ‘B’?”

Side note: Issa Tweeted a photo of Chu leaving today’s hearing in a Chevy Volt SUV.

Update: “You’re telling my my constituents need to buy a Nissan Leaf?”

**Written by Doug Powers

Twitter @ThePowersThatBe