For Immediate Release 
December 14, 2016

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Intends to Nominate Former Texas Governor Rick Perry as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy 

(New York, NY) – President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to name former Texas Governor Rick Perry as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
Gov. Perry was the chief executive of one of the country’s largest states and one of the largest economies in the world. He is also one of the most successful governors in modern history, having led Texas through a sustained period of economic growth and prosperity by developing the state’s energy resources and infrastructure, and making low-cost energy available to companies and families.
 
“As the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry created created a business climate that produced millions of new jobs and lower energy prices in his state, and he will bring that same approach to our entire country as Secretary of Energy,” said President-elect Trump. “My administration is going to make sure we take advantage of our huge natural resource deposits to make America energy independent and create vast new wealth for our nation, and Rick Perry is going to do an amazing job as the leader of that process.”
 
"It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as Secretary of Energy by President-elect Trump. I am deeply humbled by his trust in me,” said Gov. Perry. "As the former governor of the nation's largest energy producing state, I know American energy is critical to our economy and our security. I look forward to engaging in a conversation about the development, stewardship and regulation of our energy resources, safeguarding our nuclear arsenal, and promoting an American energy policy that creates jobs and puts America first."
 
With his executive experience, Gov. Perry will carryout President-elect Trump’s vision to make America energy independent, create millions of new jobs, and protect clean air and water.
 
Gov. Perry has devoted his entire adult life in service to America and to creating prosperity and opportunity for families. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, a former farmer, and the longest serving governor in Texas history, having led the world’s 12th largest economy from 2000 to 2015.
 
Perry grew up the son of tenant farmers in the tiny West Texas community of Paint Creek. The younger of Ray and Amelia Perry’s two children, he was active in scouting and earned distinction as an Eagle Scout. He was one of the first in his family to go to college, earning a degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, where he was also a member of the Corps of Cadets and a Yell Leader.
 
Between 1972 and 1977, Perry served in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft in Europe and the Middle East. He is a lifetime member of both the NRA and American Legion Post #75. Prior to being elected Lieutenant Governor in 1998, he served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and three terms in the Texas House of Representatives.
 
As the 47th governor of the Lone Star State, Perry championed conservative principles that helped Texas become America’s economic engine by cutting taxes, controlling spending, making regulations fair, smart and predictable, and stopping lawsuit abuse. Under Gov. Perry’s leadership, Texas became a national leader for job creation, innovation and population growth.
 
Perry married his childhood sweetheart, Anita, in 1982. They have two children and two beautiful granddaughters.

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December 13, 2016

What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State

Stephen Hadley, former National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush:
 
"It is a strong choice. Mr. Tillerson has broad experience and established relationships throughout the world. They will be of enormous value as the new administration develops its foreign policy strategy and approach."

 
Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State:
 
“Rex Tillerson is an excellent choice for Secretary of State. He will bring to the post remarkable and broad international experience; a deep understanding of the global economy; and a belief in America's special role in the world.
 
“I know Rex as a successful businessman and a patriot. He will represent the interests and the values of the United States with resolve and commitment. And he will lead the exceptional men and women of the State Department with respect and dedication.
 
“I look forward to supporting Rex through the confirmation process and then welcoming him to the family of Secretaries of State.”
 
 
Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense:
 
“I strongly endorse the President-elect’s selection of Rex Tillerson to be the next Secretary of State. He would bring to the position vast knowledge, experience and success in dealing with dozens of governments and leaders in every corner of the world. He is a person of great integrity whose only goal in office would be to protect and advance the interests of the United States. I know this Eagle Scout will be a global champion of the best values of our country.”
 

Former Vice President Dick Cheney:

“The selection of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State is an inspired choice. I’ve known Rex for many years both in his role as the Chairman and CEO of Exxon and as a personal friend. He has the vast experience, ability, and judgment to deal with the very dangerous world we find confronting us. His extensive knowledge of the global situation will be an asset in representing our nation. As the Chairman and CEO of Exxon, he has operated in nations all over the globe, and managed one of our largest corporations. I’m confident that he will do a superb job promoting our national interests in dealing with the complex and difficult choices that are on the agenda for the next administration.”


Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY):

"Rex Tillerson's decades of experience have been widely recognized for forward-looking strategic planning, managing international partnerships and risk, and  focused leadership around the world. 

"As resident-elect Trump's choice for nomination for Secretary of State, he will bring this critical skills, knowledge and capabilities into an important role after eight years of the Obama administration's uncertain leadership.

"We need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination."


Robert Charles, former Assistant Secretary of State: 

“Another fascinating, deep, insightful choice – Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State.  What should every American know about this selection?  A few things they may not have heard yet. Exxon’s Chairman and CEO, Rex Tillerson is another novel choice, as edgy in diplomacy as he is proven in business. … What is the take-away from this savvy appointment?  A new professionalism is in the air – and it’s about time.  Whatever friction he may encounter in the wind tunnel of change, he is likely to do well, and bring a perspective not often seen in the Capitol.” Fox News


Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ):
 
“The fact that Condi Rice, James Baker and Bob Gates are recommending Tillerson carries considerable weight. I look forward to the hearings.”

 
Jeff Immelt, CEO General Electric:
 
“I applaud the President-Elect for his choice of Rex Tillerson for the role of Secretary of State. I have worked closely with Rex on significant projects all over the world. As the leader of Exxon Mobil, a truly global American company, Rex has an exceptional understanding of our country’s essential and strategic role in the world.  More importantly, he has a contemporary, ground-level view of our most important relationships. He is highly respected, well-travelled, a great negotiator and smart.”

 
Suzanne Maloney, Brookings Institution:
 
“In today’s competitive and interconnected world, leading a major multinational corporation requires many of the same skills as diplomacy: immersion in global politics and culture, keen capacity for assessing threats and opportunities, competence in managing bureaucracies as well as unforeseen crises.
 
“Great diplomats have come from many walks of life. Although the Foreign Service may be the primary incubator, many brilliant statesmen began their careers elsewhere. James Baker, George H.W. Bush ’s secretary of state, was a lawyer. My current boss, Strobe Talbott, was a journalist before serving as deputy secretary of state during the Clinton administration. If nominated and confirmed, Mr. Tillerson could turn out to be another example.”
Read More

 
Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (R-TN):
 
“I very much appreciated President-elect Trump calling me last night to let me know that he would be nominating Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State.

“Mr. Tillerson is a very impressive individual and has an extraordinary working knowledge of the world. I congratulate him on his nomination and look forward to meeting with him and chairing his confirmation hearing.”
 

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI):
 
“Tillerson nom adds another world-class player to impressive team. I look forward to meeting, discussing enormous global challenges we face.”


Senator John Cornyn (R-TX):

“Rex Tillerson’s successful tenure leading a large multinational corporation reflects a keen ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues across the globe. His experience will be critical as the next Secretary of State will face a broad array of diplomatic challenges that will define the security and success of our nation for generations. A lifelong Texan, I’ve long valued Rex’s insight and look forward to supporting his nomination.”


House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI):
 
“Congratulations to Rex Tillerson, a proven leader and person of enormous accomplishment.”
 

Newt Gingrich:
 
“Getting Rex Tillerson to serve as Secretary of State is a great achievement by President elect Trump. He will help make America great again.”
 

Jim DeMint, Heritage Foundation President:

"For too long, the United States has acted from a position of weakness on the world stage, and Mr. Tillerson must work to reverse this dangerous decline. The Trump administration has the opportunity to reinvigorate American leadership abroad by projecting the strength and stability that have been the bedrock of our diplomacy for more than two centuries. Mr. Tillerson must defend American interests, stand resolute in the face of challenges from adversarial powers such as Russia, Iran and China, and reassure our allies that the United States will continue to stand with them in an increasingly dangerous and complex world."

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December 14, 2016

What They Are Saying...

Praise for Former Governor Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy


Spencer Abraham, former Energy Secretary:
 
“Rick Perry has background running a big bureaucracy, the state of Texas. I think he’ll do a great job.” (New York Times)

 
Bill Richardson, former Energy Secretary and former Governor of New Mexico:
 
“Governor Perry is a sound choice, because you need a strong leader with political stature and a megaphone for the job, and Rick has both.” (New York Times)


House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI): 

“Governor Perry's record of job creation and work to help unleash America's energy potential makes him a great fit to lead @ENERGY”  (Twitter)


U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX):
 
“Gov. Perry will make a terrific Secretary of Energy.  For 14 years, he led the State of Texas, and with low taxes, restrained spending, and limited regulation, Texas became one of the greatest economic powerhouses in the world. His executive experience across diverse policy areas makes him qualified to run just about any federal agency. Gov. Perry is an exceptional pick to head the Department of Energy, and after presiding over the nation's number one producer of oil and natural gas, and one of the nation's leaders in wind, solar, and nuclear energy, he understands the importance of our country's energy resources not only to our economy, but also to our national security.  I am confident that Gov. Perry will be an aggressive champion for opening more lands to exploration and working to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. I enthusiastically support his nomination as Secretary of Energy.”

 
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
 
“Rick Perry is a first class public servant. I have known and worked with him for years. I look forward to learning more about his plans for supporting energy research, strong national laboratories and supercomputing that help give America its competitive edge in creating jobs.”  


U.S. Sen Jim Inhofe (R-OK):
 
“Rick Perry is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Energy. Perry understands the abundance of our domestic energy resources and what it takes to power our complex and growing economy. I am confident that under his leadership, the DOE will be right sized and focused intently on its twin goals of national security and energy independence. American economic dominance cannot be achieved without our continued responsible use of natural gas, oil, coal, and nuclear resources. I congratulate my good friend Rick Perry on his nomination and look forward to working with him.”


Salo Zelermyer, former Senior Counsel at the Energy Department:

“It is indeed possible to successfully balance appropriate environmental regulations with domestic energy production and use.
 
“During his time in office, Perry embodied the type of ‘all of the above’ approach to U.S. energy production that many have advocated on both sides of the aisle. Rick Perry’s Texas was not only a world leader in oil and gas production; it was also a global leader in wind power and renewable energy investment. This approach is a big reason Texas experienced such enormous job growth during Perry’s tenure.” (Washington Post)


T. Boone Pickens:

"Rick Perry is a friend. He was a great Texas governor, and I believe he will be a great Secretary of Energy.
"Believe me, the man understands energy. He’s been a long-serving Texas governor who has witnessed first-hand what natural gas and oil mean to the state and national economies and the workforce.
"He also presided over Texas during a time in which deregulation and transmission projects enabled wind energy production in the state to grow from 184 megawatts of installed capacity in the year 2000 to over 14,000 megawatts at the end of 2014. Texas continues to be the largest producer of wind energy with now over 17,700 megawatts of installed capacity followed by Iowa with 6,200 megawatts of wind energy.
"He understands what happens to the oil and gas industry with too much government regulation and he understands how important domestic production is to our economy and our national security."

 
Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association: 
 
“He increased the ambition of the state’s Renewable Energy Standard, directed state funds to innovative wind energy R&D initiatives, and created a ‘Competitive Renewable Energy Zone’ that helped expand transmission of renewables, bringing clean wind energy from rural communities to new state markets.” (Science Mag)

 
Larry Faulkner, professor of chemistry and president emeritus of the University of Texas in Austin:

“I found him to be interested in scientific research and technical innovation and to be willing to support investment in them. His interest was usually driven by the possibilities for economic opportunity for the state, which is not surprising for a governor.” (Science Mag)

 
Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists:
 
“As governor of Texas, Mr. Perry saw the job creation and business opportunity provided by clean energy, helping to turn Texas into the national leader in wind power. In fact, he increased the ambition of the state’s Renewable Energy Standard, directed state funds to innovative wind energy R&D initiatives, and created a ‘Competitive Renewable Energy Zone’ that helped expand transmission of renewables, bringing clean wind energy from rural communities to new state markets.
 
“We hope as DOE secretary, Governor Perry builds on the successful work currently underway at the agency in areas like grid modernization, energy efficiency, and clean energy finance. Most important is that he supports the agency’s critical work on clean energy R&D, which has helped create jobs by improving the cost and performance of renewable energy technologies, and help develop and commercialize new, innovative clean energy technologies.”

 
Herman Cain:

“His 14-year track record governing the state of Texas - with its aggressive and smart use of natural resources and its general tendency to avoid crony capitalism - has established the state as an economic model for the rest of the nation.”
 

George P. Bush, Texas Land Commissioner:

Congrats to Governor Perry for  being nominated as Energy Sec--as Texans we know he'll fight to return sensible policy making to the States. (Twitter)


David McIntosh, Club for Growth President:

“Rick Perry will be a strong advocate for free-market energy policies, and the most important pro-growth step he could take at the Energy Department would be to fulfill his 2012 campaign pledge to eliminate it. The DOE is little more than the government’s own venture capital firm for energy-related activities, and it’s time for the cronyism end. Governor Perry has a prime opportunity to serve taxpayers by closing its doors.”

 
Matt Schlapp, American Conservative Union Chair:

"Gov. Rick Perry is our kind of leader for the Dept of Energy. American energy will fuel an American jobs resurgence."

 
Jim DeMint, Heritage Foundation President:
 
“Governor Perry’s commitment to free-markets, limited government and a stronger America, make him an exceptional choice to head the Department of Energy.  While the department plays a critical role in our nuclear weapons program, its vast loan programs, crippling regulatory actions, and market interventions represent the federal government overreach that Americans sharply rejected in November.
 
“For well over a decade, Governor Perry successfully led the state of Texas - one of the world's largest economies - with a confident conservative vision that created millions of new American jobs.
 
“I am confident Governor Perry will fight to keep America’s nuclear deterrent strong while also reining in the department's overreaches - allowing Americans to once again determine their own energy futures.”

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