Governor Rick Perry’s public service record in Texas spans more than 30 years. In addition to being the longest serving governor in state history, he has also distinguished himself as a tireless leader who is dedicated to promoting Texas’ economic interests. Throughout his time in office, Governor Perry supported market-based, renewable energy technology that increased abundant, affordable, and clean energy production for families across the Lone Star State. Recently nominated to serve as our nation’s next Energy Secretary, Perry is poised to expand his legacy beyond Texas, which will help strengthen the economic and environmental security of all Americans.
CRES applauded the news of Governor Perry’s nomination and explicitly cited his leadership in helping to establish Texas as America’s top producer of wind energy.
“Perry’s commitment to advancing commonsense, clean energy policy helped to establish Texas as the top producer of wind energy in the country and reduce electricity costs for families across the state. CRES looks forward to working with Rick Perry as America’s next Secretary of Energy to expand his successful, clean energy legacy beyond Texas so that ALL American families can benefit from clean energy solutions for years to come.”
As chief of executive of America’s second largest state, Perry oversaw an increase in wind power from 116 megawatts of production sixteen year ago, to over 11,000 megawatts in 2013. In fact, if Texas were its own country, it would rank as the fifth largest producer of wind power in the world.
Perry’s administration also supported the rapid development of energy transmission infrastructure required to transfer Texas’ wind energy to major load centers. This served to stimulate the economy and create tens of thousands of local jobs. In 2016, Texas’ wind power sector employed more than 25,000 people in the Lone Star State.
“Texas doesn’t just believe in the potential of wind energy, we are reaping its benefits already,” said Perry during a wind energy conference in 2008. “People who talk about wind energy as a technology of the future clearly haven’t been to West Texas lately: The future of wind energy in Texas is now. I am proud that our state’s installed wind generation capacity leads the nation, a place we did not reach by accident.”
Former Governor Rick Perry deserves recognition for his longtime commitment to promoting free-market, renewable energy production. Thanks to his successful leadership, Texas’ has utilized innovative technology that has not only boosted its economy and environment, but also serves as a model for states across the country. CRES looks forward to working with Perry at the Department of Energy as he builds upon his legacy and helps to ensure that all American families can benefit from clean energy solutions for generations to come.