Rick Perry ignores climate change, plugs dirty energy at international meeting

In his statement at the G-7 energy conference in Italy, Energy Secretary Rick Perry neglected to mention climate change once—all while urging other nations to rely more on coal, natural gas, and nuclear power for their electricity. Wait, there’s more: G-7 energy ministers failed to agree on a joint statement after the United States refused to include a reference to the Paris climate agreement. Perry’s remarks contrasted sharply with the U.S. position during the Obama administration, which supported policies aimed at increasing renewable energy investments as a way to decrease carbon pollution from fossil fuels.