Rick Perry to be Secretary of Energy

• Rick Perry’s 30 years of dedicated public service and accomplishment in Texas have prepared him to be an effective leader of the Department of Energy.
• He committed to modernize the nuclear stockpile, promote all forms of energy, dispose of nuclear waste, and advance critical scientific research and development.
• The last two presidents had their first energy secretary confirmed on inauguration day; Perry received solid bipartisan support at his committee hearing and vote.

Biography

Rick Perry has a 30-year career in public service. He served as state representative, agriculture commissioner, lieutenant governor, and as the longest serving governor of Texas. Gov. Perry is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former farmer. He was the first person in his family to attend college, receiving a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Texas A&M University. 

Senate Action

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a confirmation hearing for Gov. Perry on January 19. He subsequently provided 61 pages of written responses to senators’ questions for the hearing record. On January 31, the committee reported Gov. Perry’s nomination favorably by a solid bipartisan vote of 16 to 7.

Considerations

Gov. Perry’s broad experience and strong record on energy and environmental progress in Texas have prepared him to lead the DOE to operate more efficiently and effectively. As explained in his opening statement, while he was governor, Texas “created 2.2 million jobs, added more people than any other state, and would stand alone as the world’s 12th largest economy.” During this time, Texas led the nation in the production of crude oil, natural gas, and wind power, and simultaneously achieved dramatic reductions in carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. 

At his hearing, Gov. Perry emphasized his appreciation for the important work of the DOE and “committed to modernizing our nuclear stockpile, promoting and developing American energy in all forms, advancing the department’s critical science and technology mission, and carefully disposing of nuclear waste.” Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush had their first energy secretaries confirmed on inauguration day.