Tuesday 7 March 2017

Rick Perry sworn in as US Energy Secretary

Rick Perry, the former Governor of Texas, has been sworn in as Secretary of the US Department of Energy (DoE).

The climate change denier previously pledged to scrap the department, which manages the nation's energy policy and nuclear weapons programme, during his failed presidential campaign in 2012.

Mr Perry has also previously called for a less regulated fossil fuel industry and has said the science around climate change is yet to be proven.

However, he claims that during the time he was in charge of Texas, the state led the rest of the country in energy production, specifically with regards to oil, gas and wind power.

The Trump administration suggests he also helped Texas reduce its Carbon Dioxide footprint by 17%, Sulfur Dioxide by 56% and Nitrogen Oxide by 66%.

Mr Perry said: "As Secretary, I will advocate and promote American energy in all forms. America has been blessed with vast natural resources and the technology to utilise them.

"I am committed to helping provide stable, reliable, affordable and secure sources of American energy. An American first energy strategy is important to create jobs and grow the economy."

The US Environmental Protection Agency is withdrawing its request for oil and gas firms to provide information on equipment and emissions.