{mosads}The Energy Department later responded that the SUV – which uses flex fuel, according to the spokeswoman
– is for security purposes.
“Just like they did in their three hour hearing, Congressional critics are distorting the facts to drive a false and misleading agenda,” Energy Department spokesman Damien LaVera said in a statement. “This photo shows the Secretary getting into a single, flex fuel vehicle which – as the Chairman knows – is used for security.”
Republicans lashed out at Chu, a prime target for rising gas prices, following his testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Tuesday. During the hearing, Chairman Issa asked Chu whether he would give himself an “A-” on “controlling the cost of gasoline at the pump.”
Chu replied that he thinks he has improved in that area since becoming secretary of Energy.
“Sure, if our goal is boosting price of gas to the levels in Europe,” snapped back Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) on Twitter.
“I would have loved to have Secretary Chu as a professor in college if he thinks $4 plus a gallon and over a 100 percent increase gets an A,” said Republican National Committee Communications Director Sean Spicer in an email. “It would probably take $10 a gallon for him to get to a B under this curve.”
Gas prices have become a focus for the GOP’s criticism ahead of the election. While Republicans say the Obama administration has not done enough to bring down the price of gasoline, the White House argues there is very little it can do on a daily basis to influence a global commodity.
“Let’s try to rise up above letter grades and this and that because, again, we will do the best with what we have,” Chu told reporters following the hearing.
– This report was updated Wednesday at 7:52 a.m. to include the DOE response.