By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/senate-confirms-former-texas-gov-rick-perry-energy-secretary Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Senate confirms former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as energy secretary Politics Mar 2, 2017 3:13 PM EDT The Senate has confirmed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to serve as energy secretary under President Donald Trump. The vote was 62-37 on Thursday. Perry — who once pledged to eliminate the department — has repeatedly promised be an advocate for the agency and to protect the nation’s nuclear stockpile. Perry also has said he’d rely on federal scientists, including those who work on climate change. Perry has said he’ll work to develop American energy in all forms — from oil, gas and nuclear power to renewable sources such as wind and solar power. READ MORE: Scientists give Rick Perry mixed grades on his confirmation hearing Democrats say they accept Perry’s disavowal of his 2011 pledge to abolish the Energy Department. But they’re worried he may not stand up to GOP proposals to slash the department’s budget. Perry served 14 years as Texas governor. He said he was for “all of the above” on energy production, from oil and gas to renewable sources like wind and solar power, before former President Barack Obama embraced the strategy. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The Senate has confirmed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to serve as energy secretary under President Donald Trump. The vote was 62-37 on Thursday. Perry — who once pledged to eliminate the department — has repeatedly promised be an advocate for the agency and to protect the nation’s nuclear stockpile. Perry also has said he’d rely on federal scientists, including those who work on climate change. Perry has said he’ll work to develop American energy in all forms — from oil, gas and nuclear power to renewable sources such as wind and solar power. READ MORE: Scientists give Rick Perry mixed grades on his confirmation hearing Democrats say they accept Perry’s disavowal of his 2011 pledge to abolish the Energy Department. But they’re worried he may not stand up to GOP proposals to slash the department’s budget. Perry served 14 years as Texas governor. He said he was for “all of the above” on energy production, from oil and gas to renewable sources like wind and solar power, before former President Barack Obama embraced the strategy. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now