Rick Perry confirmed as US energy secretary

By Ovunc Kutlu

NEW YORK (AA) - Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was confirmed Thursday to lead the Energy Department.

Perry’s was confirmed in a 62 - 37 vote despite prior statements that doubted climate change and a proposal to eliminate the department he will now head.

He bashed global warming in 2011 and argued it served scientists who are manipulating data for financial gains.

Perry adopted a softer tone in his hearings Thursday.

“I believe the climate is changing. I believe some of it is naturally occurring, but some of it is also caused by man-made activity," he said.

Perry proposed the elimination of the Energy Department in 2012

but after being tapped by President Donald Trump as the next leader of the Energy Department, he said he regretted the remarks.

"My past statements about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking," he said in January. "In fact, after being briefed on so many of the vital functions of the Department of Energy, I regret recommending its elimination."