In a similar refrain heard from other cabinet nominees this week, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, tapped to lead the Department of Energy, distinguished himself from his new boss by testifying before the members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that he “believe(s) the climate is changing.”
“I believe some of it is naturally occurring but some of it is caused by manmade activity,” he elaborated. “The question is how we address it in a thoughtful way that doesn’t compromise economic growth…the affordability of energy…or American jobs.”
In his opening statement, he described his record in Texas of “addressing environmental challenges, including climate change” including the decommissioning of 137 “dirty plants.” Texas “truly advocated an all of the above strategy, reducing carbon emissions,” he said, describing the state’s rise to being a top wind producer in the U.S.
“When it comes to climate change, I’m committed to making decisions based on sound science that also takes into account the economic impact,” he said.