Background:
Steven Chu is a renowned physicist and former U.S. Secretary of Energy. He was appointed as the 12th Energy Secretary in 2009 and served until 2013. During his tenure, Chu emphasized science and scientists and played a crucial role in addressing the Deepwater Horizon oil leak.

First Day on the Job:
Chu shares his experience of starting as Energy Secretary. He focused on using discretionary funds to stimulate the economy by creating jobs. Political appointees usually take time to be confirmed, so initial days involve maintaining operations with limited staff.

Launching ARPA-E:
Chu explains the launch of the Advanced Project Research for Energy (ARPA-E) program. ARPA-E was initially authorized but lacked funding from the Department of Energy. Chu used Recovery Act money to fund ARPA-E for two years, hoping Congress would later appropriate funds. To build the RPE staff, Chu personally made phone calls and checked references. He highlights the story of hiring the first employee of RPE, who was a highly recommended MIT graduate.

Limited Authority of Acting Personnel:
Acting officials face limited influence and authority compared to confirmed staff. Career employees tend to take actings less seriously. Careful consideration is required when appointing acting individuals.

Selective Retention of Political Appointees:
Steven Chu retained certain political appointees who were deemed competent and valuable. This decision was made at the undersecretary level, showcasing trust in their abilities.

Balancing Administration Priorities and Execution:
The stimulus package budget was set, but execution strategies were flexible. Allocation of funds across weatherization, loan underwriting, and other areas was determined by the department. Congressional authorization was obtained for potential loan losses, resulting in minimal actual losses.

Special Advisor Appointment:
Chu appointed a special advisor without Senate confirmation to oversee the stimulus package. This advisor possessed expertise in managing complex projects and provided valuable assistance.

Day-to-Day Activities vs. New Initiatives:
Routine departmental activities continue largely unchanged across administrations. New initiatives, such as ARPA-E and SunShot, are introduced to drive innovation and progress.

Reinvigorating Solar Energy Support:
SunShot program revitalized solar energy support within the Department of Energy. Strategic leadership and restructuring eliminated K Street consultants, empowering departmental staff. This transformation boosted employee morale and enhanced productivity.

Cultural Transformation:
Steven Chu brought in scientists and researchers who were accustomed to working long hours and were passionate about their work, creating a culture of dedication and innovation within the department. He focused on hiring highly accomplished individuals, including those elected to prestigious scientific academies at a young age, to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the department.

Empowering Employees:
Chu believed in empowering his team members, giving them the freedom to pursue their research and initiatives without micromanaging or hindering their progress. He acted as a shield against bureaucratic obstacles, allowing his employees to spread their wings and make significant contributions.

Constructive Confrontation:
Chu fostered a culture of open and honest discussions, encouraging employees to challenge ideas and engage in constructive debates. He emphasized the importance of questioning assumptions and probing deeply into concepts to ensure intellectual rigor and prevent stagnation.

Horizontal Organizational Structure:
Chu aimed to create a flat organizational structure, similar to academia or research institutions, where rank and hierarchy did not dictate the value of ideas. He encouraged open dialogue and collaboration among employees at all levels, promoting a merit-based environment where the content of ideas held more weight than titles or positions.

Challenging Traditions:
Chu challenged traditional norms and protocols within the department, such as the practice of standing up when the secretary entered a room. He believed in creating a more informal and collaborative work environment that fostered creativity and open communication.

Nuclear Enterprise Oversight:
Chu had prior experience in nuclear physics, which gave him a head start in understanding the importance of overseeing the nation’s nuclear assets. He recognized the critical role of the Department of Energy in maintaining the safety and security of nuclear facilities and materials.

Nuclear Security and Reliability:
Steven Chu was a member of the senior advisory panel to the director of the NSA, where he gained insights into the nuclear arsenal, its requirements, and the stockpiled stewardship. The U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Energy must annually certify that the nuclear stockpile is safe, secure, and reliable, ensuring that the weapons cannot be stolen or used without authorization.

Modernization and New Capabilities:
The U.S. nuclear stockpile is based on designs from decades ago, and many parts involve outdated technology such as tube electronics. Some military officials have pushed for new capabilities, such as the ability to adjust the yield of warheads, which Chu opposed due to the potential for increased use.

Civilian Waste Disposal:
The U.S. Department of Energy has a contractual obligation to take spent nuclear fuel from civilian reactors, but there is no effective disposition plan in place. The proposed Yucca Mountain repository was found to be unsuitable due to water seepage, and an alternative solution is yet to be found.

Environmental Cleanup:
The U.S. has a significant backlog of nuclear waste cleanup projects, including contaminated sites from weapons production and testing. The cleanup process is complex, time-consuming, and expensive, and progress has been slow.

Nuclear Waste Management:
Radioactive waste from the Cold War era poses a significant challenge. Chu advocated for increased R&D funding to explore innovative and cost-effective waste disposal methods. Contractors’ vested interests often hindered progress and prevented the adoption of better solutions.

Nuclear Waste Act:
Chu sought to reform the Nuclear Waste Act, which restricted the development of new approaches to nuclear waste management. Efforts to revise the act faced resistance from powerful contractors.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill:
Chu led a team of experts to assist in stopping the oil leak. Chu’s scientific expertise was instrumental in identifying a solution to image the state of the valves at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. The team’s involvement prevented BP from taking risky actions that could have exacerbated the situation.

Leadership and Decision-Making:
Chu emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and making decisions, even in the face of potential criticism. He avoided hiding behind committees and bureaucratic processes. Chu’s willingness to take responsibility contributed to the successful resolution of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Advice for Stanford Faculty:
To effectively inform the administration and agencies on key challenges, Stanford faculty should engage with relevant agencies and align their expertise with the agencies’ needs and priorities. Unsolicited advice is often ignored, so it’s important to establish a relationship and be invited to provide input. The new administration has a strong commitment to mitigating climate change risks and promoting adaptation measures.

OSTP and PCAST:
OSTP and PCAST are two important ways for scientists to influence policy. PCAST provides advice on policy, drawing on the intellectual resources of the United States.

Biden Administration’s Commitment to Science:
The Biden administration has made a strong commitment to tapping into the science knowledge base to solve problems. The Director of OSTP is now a cabinet position, emphasizing the importance of science in the administration.

Chu’s Role in the Transition:
Chu formed a group to provide a short list of names for OSTP and PCAST positions. Chu advised the Biden administration to elevate the OSTP Director to a cabinet position, which they did.

Chu’s Hopes and Expectations:
Chu is hopeful that the Biden administration will take science seriously and use it to solve problems. Chu believes that scientists can play an important role in helping agencies like NOAA, the Department of Energy, and the EPA address environmental and climate issues.

Scientists’ Involvement in Policy:
Chu acknowledges the opportunity for scientists to be involved in policymaking and emphasizes the need to take such opportunities seriously.

Sharing Experiences to Build Trust:
Encouraging scientists to engage directly with their communities can help build trust in science. Personal interactions and shared experiences can bridge political divides and create a foundation for communication. Grassroots programs, where local scientists discuss scientific issues with their neighbors, can foster trust and understanding.

Addressing Climate Change:
The Department of Energy (DOE) should prioritize supporting companies and innovations that reduce carbon emissions in various economic sectors, including industrial processes. Additional large loans may be necessary to support these efforts and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

Role of Scientists in Shaping Policy:
While participating in advisory panels and Capitol Hill briefings is essential, scientists should also engage directly with communities to influence policy decisions. Scientists can play a crucial role in educating the public about climate change and advocating for evidence-based policies. Effective communication and building relationships with policymakers are key to shaping policies that address climate change effectively.

Investment in Research:
Steven Chu believes that public sector funding is best utilized in fundamental research that lays the foundation for technology to address challenges such as creating diamond transistors for efficient DC transmission.

Stimulating Private Sector Investment:
Chu emphasizes the importance of policies that encourage private sector investment in clean energy technologies, including research, tax incentives, and sunset clauses to avoid long-term subsidies.

Success of Loan Programs:
The loan program initiated during Chu’s tenure as Secretary of Energy was successful in supporting large-scale solar and wind projects, enabling the survival of companies like Tesla and Nissan.

Bureaucracy in Loan Programs:
The downside of federal loan programs is the excessive bureaucracy, causing delays and complexity for companies seeking funding. Streamlining the process while maintaining accountability is crucial.

Avoiding Bailouts:
Chu stresses the importance of preventing the use of loans to bail out failing companies, as the goal is to stimulate private investment in sustainable businesses.

Changes in DOE Culture:
Under Chu and Ernie, the DOE experienced a shift in culture, but many long-term career professionals were forced out during the Trump administration.

Restoring and Strengthening Civil Service:
Chu envisions restoring and strengthening the culture of excellence within the federal civil service, attracting talented individuals who are not solely motivated by pensions.

ARPA-E Program:
Chu highlights the ARPA-E program as an example of successful limited-term employment, where individuals can contribute for a specific period before moving on.

Background of the Rotational Program for Engineers (RPE):
The RPE program at the Department of Energy (DOE) was highly regarded and considered a badge of honor among participants. By the time Steven Chu joined the DOE, the RPE program was a model for the type of workforce desired within the department.

Importance of Mid-Career Scientists in Federal Government:
Mid-career scientists with knowledge and experience are highly sought after by the federal government. Their expertise and understanding of the field are valuable assets for government agencies.

Compensation and Relocation Barriers:
Compensation may not be the primary reason why mid-career scientists hesitate to join the federal government. Relocation can be a significant barrier for some individuals, especially if the DOE cannot provide assistance.

Empowerment and Job Experience:
Steven Chu emphasizes the importance of empowering scientists and giving them the ability to make meaningful contributions. A well-run agency can offer scientists the opportunity to make a significant impact on the world, which can outweigh financial considerations.

Bureaucratic Obstacles:
Bureaucracy can be a major challenge for scientists working in government agencies. Supervisors need to protect and support their employees from bureaucratic hurdles that hinder their productivity.

Challenges Faced by Scientists in Government:
Scientists in government often face obstacles that drain their energy and motivation. Steven Chu experienced this firsthand during his time as Secretary of Energy, where he witnessed the frustration of scientists dealing with bureaucracy.

Advice for Academicians Interested in Government Involvement:
Steven Chu encourages academicians to get involved in government service. He suggests seeking opportunities to interact with government agencies, attending conferences, and participating in advisory boards to gain exposure to government work.

Early Recognition:
Steven Chu’s work as the director of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab drew attention, leading to his consideration for the role of Secretary of Energy. President Obama’s search for diverse appointments, beyond the traditional political circles, contributed to Chu’s selection.

Declining the Second Term:
Chu’s wife’s desire to return to Stanford prompted him to decline a second term as Secretary of Energy. He emphasized the need for President Obama to continue appointing scientists to positions of influence.

Advice on Government Service:
Chris Field highlighted the value of government service, emphasizing that it can be a temporary commitment, like military service. Chu shared that his time in government was a rewarding experience that broadened his perspectives and enriched his life.

The Wood’s Staff and Pat Brown’s Upcoming Conversation:
The Wood’s staff, including Molly Field, Athena Serapio, and Justin Evan, received appreciation for their support. The next conversation in the series will feature Pat Brown of Impossible Foods on March 11th.