2:15pm | Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster has issued a statement relative to the announcement that President Barack Obama plans to nominate one of Foster’s former colleagues to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

The White House announced May 31 that Obama would nominate former Edison International Chairman, President and CEO John Bryson to succeed outgoing Commerce Chief Gary Locke.

Foster, former president of Southern California Edison, and Bryson worked together while Bryson was heading Edison International, SCE’s parent company.

Foster said in a statement Tuesday:

I know personally of John Bryson’s strong leadership ability when we were both at Edison during the energy crisis. His leadership, in combination with his many years in business, his expertise in energy issues and strong sense of social responsibility makes him an ideal candidate for Commerce Secretary.

Bryson, 67, is an environmentalist who helped co-found the Natural Resources Defense Council in 1970.

Obama said Tuesday that Bryson’s green streak makes him the perfect candidate for the job.

The president said in his announcement:

In the years ahead, a key to achieving our export goal will be promoting clean energy in America. It’s how we’ll reduce our dependence on foreign oil. John understands this better than virtually anybody. Throughout a distinguished career in which he’s led nonprofits, government agencies, and large companies, he’s been a fierce proponent of alternative energy.

The U.S. Department of Commerce focuses on fostering economic growth and prosperity.