Daines: Perry Confirmed as Energy Secretary

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, former Texas Governor Rick Perry.

“Secretary Perry will work to make our nation energy secure and I’m excited to partner with him to restore the balance between fossil fuel and renewable energy investments to create more good-paying jobs,” Daines stated. 

Immediately following Perry’s confirmation, Daines wrote to Perry: “Mr. Perry, I cannot think of a more important place to witness firsthand the need for investments in clean coal technology and grid security than Colstrip, Montana. I urge you to prioritize these goals and I invite you to tour the plant and learn firsthand the challenges associated with the longevity of the plant and the significant opportunities for worthwhile American innovation.” 

Click HERE to download the letter. 

On January 19, Daines questioned Perry during the nomination hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In a must-watch response, Perry discussed Daines’ passion in working to save Montana coal jobs, specifically referencing Evelyn Old Coyote, the daughter of former Crow Tribal Chairman Darrin Old Coyote. 

On January 5, Daines met with Perry in his Washington, D.C. office where they discussed the issues plaguing Colstrip and the need to encourage investments in fossil fuels.

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