Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Posted by Dave Rochelson

\”The future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked to one challenge: energy,\” President-elect Barack Obama said at a Chicago press conference today announcing the leaders who will guide his administration\’s policy on energy and the environment. \”The team that I have assembled here today is uniquely suited to meet the great challenges of this defining moment. They are leading experts and accomplished managers, and they are ready to reform government and help transform our economy so that our people are more prosperous, our nation is more secure, and our planet is protected.\”

The nominees include Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy; Lisa Jackson, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator; Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change; and Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

President-elect Obama acknowledged that he is not the first leader to promise dramatic efforts on climate change and American energy independence — but \”This time must be different,\” he said.

\”This is not a challenge for government alone – it is a challenge for all of us. The pursuit of a new energy economy requires a sustained, all-hands-on-deck effort because the foundation of our energy independence is right here, in America.\”

Video and pictures from the event and the text of President-elect Obama\’s remarks are below. Pictures from the event and President-elect Obama\’s remarks Click Here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/changedotgov/sets/72157611307037694/show

Download high resolution .mp4 file (178 MB) Click Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERNWRPaZ22A