, Columnists
Rick Perry Was a Clean Energy Governor
There's reason to hope he will promote renewables when he's secretary of energy, too.
Texas leads in wind power.
Photographer: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The environmental community has already reacted with disappointment, even some outrage, to President-elect Donald Trump's choice of former Texas Governor Rick Perry as secretary of energy. Their misgivings over Perry’s denial of climate change and his push to expand coal power are justified. Yet a close look at his gubernatorial record offers a reason for hope.
While Perry was governor, Texas led the way on two innovations that helped the U.S. lower carbon emissions: the fracking revolution and the boom in wind energy.