Ever since Donald J. Trump was officially sworn in as America’s 45th president a little more than one month ago, Senate Democrats have been deliberately delaying the confirmation process for his cabinet nominees.
Earlier today, the Senate finally confirmed Dr. Ben Carson as the HUD Secretary.
And now, after weeks of delays, the Senate has finally confirmed former Texas Governor Rick Perry to lead the Department of Energy, by a bipartisan vote of 62-37.
JUST IN: Senate confirms former Texas Governor Rick Perry to be secretary of energy, 62 yeas to 37 nays. (via @CBSNews) pic.twitter.com/HHBrFVSITE
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) March 2, 2017
During his failed 2012 presidential run, Perry pledged to abolish the Department of Energy if elected president, but has since retracted that statement, saying he now sees the value of the department, which overseas our nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Rick Perry’s successful tenure as governor of Texas saw a massive boom in energy industry production, “including wind power and shale drilling. Many of his supporters cited that record as evidence that he could help a similarly wide variety of energy interests.”
From The Washington Post:
The genial Republican drew less fire from Democrats during his confirmation process than other Trump nominees, but Perry now faces many of the same tough issues over regulations, the department’s activities to slow climate change and potentially deep cuts in manpower and spending.
—
Renewable energy supporters expressed hope.
“As Governor of Texas, Rick Perry saw firsthand the positive economic impact as the Lone Star state diversified its energy production mix, resulting in more than 143,000 advanced energy jobs, success integrating more wind onto the grid than anywhere else, improving energy efficiency, and now experiencing a solar boom,” said Malcolm Woolf, senior vice president for policy and government affairs at the business-backed Advanced Energy Economy. “We look forward to working with DOE Secretary Perry, to continue this significant business opportunity to expand advanced energy that now supports more than 3 million workers across the nation.”
Given Perry’s deep ties to America’s energy industry during his time as governor of Texas, it is likely that he will promote a pro-business agenda at the Department of Energy, rather than one that bows to the far-left environmental lobby.
Unlike Obama’s Energy Secretaries, Rick Perry has real-world experiences working with America’s energy industry and will be a strong voice in helping to promote U.S. energy.
Do you think Rick Perry will make a good Secretary of Energy? Share your thoughts below!