U.S. SENATE —Today, Senate Western Caucus led by Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) applauded the confirmation of former Texas Governor Rick Perry for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Perry is Texas’ longest-serving governor, having held office from December 2000 until January 2015, a tenure of 14 years. As Governor, in addition to leading one of our nation’s largest oil and gas producing states with one of the largest petro-chemical refining industries, Perry oversaw the implementation of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure program that connected rural wind farms to Texas’ growing cities, enabling more of Texas’ energy consumption to come from clean, renewable sources.
Perry also has firsthand experience spurring innovation in the energy sector including revolutionizing American energy with the shale boom, making coal-fired power plants more efficient, reducing carbon output by 17 percent and in enhanced oil recovery.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT): “Secretary Perry will work to make our nation energy secure and I’m excited to partner with him to restore the balance between fossil fuel and renewable energy investments to create more good-paying jobs.”
Senator Dean Heller (R-NV): “Governor Perry’s views on energy development, especially his support for an all-of-the-above approach, as well as his commitment to bolstering research and innovation at the Nevada National Security Site are important for the Nevada economy. I look forward to working with Governor Perry to continue our state’s national leadership in implementing a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable domestic energy strategy.”
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID): “Congratulations to Secretary Perry on his confirmation. Idaho’s National Laboratory has been at the front lines of innovation and creativity in the energy space for decades. It was in Idaho that the world’s first electricity from nuclear energy was generated. I look forward to working with the Department and Secretary Perry to ensure that INL and all our national laboratories remain at the forefront of innovation and public-private research partnerships.”
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “As governor of one of the largest energy producing states in the country, Mr. Perry has shown he has the experience needed to promote energy independence and job creation. I look forward to working with Mr. Perry toward an energy strategy that provides reliable, sustainable and affordable energy to American families and businesses, and supports the mission of our national laboratories. I will continue to emphasize to this administration as I did in my meeting with Mr. Perry, the need for the development of wind energy and renewable fuels to be part of this equation.”
Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ): “I was pleased today to vote in support of Rick Perry’s confirmation as Secretary of Energy. I look forward to working with Secretary Perry to restore transparency and fiscal responsibility at WAPA, streamlining the licensing of advanced nuclear technology, and the many other energy-related issues important to Arizona.”
Senator John Boozman (R-AR): “I’m pleased to support Governor Perry’s confirmation as Secretary of Energy and look forward to working with him to advance our country’s renewable energy strategy, pursue an all-of-the-above energy policy and ensure the Department of Energy protects private property rights.”
Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): “As the former governor of an energy-rich state much like North Dakota, Secretary Perry understands the importance of a states-first approach to developing our energy resources. I look forward to working with him to empower our energy industry and ensure that we have a true, all-of-the-above energy policy for our nation.”
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): “I met with Secretary Perry and he fully understands the importance of the work being done at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) national laboratories,” said Senator Risch. “My state’s own Idaho National Lab (INL) is a recognized leader in nuclear research, cybersecurity, and protecting our grid and other critical control systems. I am glad Secretary Perry will be on the forefront of the DOE and confident he will work to advance INL’s mission.”
