UH Experts Available to Comment on Trump’s Choice of Rick Perry to Lead Department of Energy

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is reportedly President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Energy, a department Perry famously said he would abolish during his 2012 run for the Republican presidential nomination.

The University of Houston has several experts available to talk about Perry and his potential leadership of the department. To reach someone, contact media relations representative Jeannie Kever, jekever@uh.edu, 713-743-0778.

Brandon RottinghausBrandon Rottinghaus, professor of political science, notes that as governor, Perry led a state with its own energy grid, which not only produced and consumed more energy than any other state in the U.S. but also is the nation’s leader for wind energy. “Gov. Perry’s opposition to federal intervention on energy issues may take DOE in a new direction and likely will have DOE establishing fewer guidelines for programs like coal,” he said. “Politically, the pick is smart for Trump. Perry will sail through the confirmation process. It also allows Trump to put a former rival in high places and demonstrate that the Trump administration hasn’t held a grudge against former competitors.” Play Video of Expert Commentary

PirrongCraig Pirrong, professor of finance, says the choice of Perry makes sense. “Perry is someone with executive experience in the nation's leading energy producer, and who has been very supportive of many of the policies Trump has advocated, including pipelines and expanded oil and gas production.”