Gov. Perry’s Energy Department Could Harm Parks

WASHINGTON – Below is a statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association, following the announcement that former Texas Governor Rick Perry is President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Energy:

“America’s national parks depend on clean air and water and healthy lands for visitors and wildlife. All of these factors are influenced by the policies pursued by the Department of Energy.

“We are deeply concerned by reports that President-elect Trump has selected former Texas Governor Rick Perry to lead the Department of Energy. As governor, Mr. Perry sought to inhibit efforts to clean up outdated highly polluting coal plants that cause dirty air at Big Bend and other national parks. Mr. Perry also denies the existence of human-caused climate change, which is already harming our national parks.

“Protecting America’s national parks requires policies that drive us toward cleaner, less polluting energy, policies that Mr. Perry needs to embrace as the Secretary of Energy.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.