STEVEN CHU

Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy

Chosen because: Under Chu, 63, the department has provided about $5 billion in loans and stimulus funds to electrify the transportation sector. This funding includes $2.5 billion in loans to Nissan Motor Co., Tesla Motors Inc. and Fisker Automotive Inc. to set up electric vehicle plants and $2.4 billion for battery and component facilities. The department also is supporting battery research and has partnered with private companies to demonstrate thousands of EVs.

Quote: "Electric vehicles are an investment in our clean energy future. They will bring the United States closer to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and help lower carbon pollution."