Fall River Native Sworn In As U.S. Energy Secretary

Physicist Ernest Moniz has been sworn in as the nation's new energy secretary.

    The 68-year-old Fall River native and Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor took the oath of office Tuesday at the Energy Department. He replaces Steven Chu, who served as energy secretary in President Barack Obama's first term. Moniz served as an energy undersecretary in the Clinton administration.

    Moniz said on Twitter that he is honored to be back at the Energy Department, adding that he is ``looking forward to hitting the ground running.''

    He faces an array of challenges, including whether to approve a host of applications to export liquefied natural gas. Moniz has says he'll promote renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power, along with traditional fuels such as oil and coal. (Associated Press)