"WASHINGTON -- John Bryson, the former Southern California utility executive nominated to be Commerce secretary, promised senators that he would have a 'relentless focus' on job creation as he tried to ease concerns that his environmental views were too liberal.

Bryson, 67, faced some tough criticism during his confirmation hearing Tuesday for favorable comments he made in 2009 about legislation to limit carbon emissions. The concerns were largely from Republicans but also came from Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.).

Although he lauded Bryson's 18 years as chief executive of Edison International and service on some high-powered corporate boards, Rockefeller said he wanted assurances that the coal industry in his state had nothing to fear should the nomination be confirmed."

Jim Puzzanghera reports for the Los Angeles Times June 22, 2011. [2]