WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the Senate voted 62-37 to confirm former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE):

“I initially met Governor Perry’s nomination to serve as Secretary of Energy with a healthy degree of skepticism. However, at his nominations hearing, Governor Perry expressed an appropriate level of regret for his past statements and demonstrated a respect for both the mission and the people who work at the Department of Energy. He committed to support scientists at the Department and the important work that they do, and to promote collaboration with the private sector and our research universities.

“I was also encouraged that Mr. Perry has expressed a willingness to continue advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. These are two areas that hold significant potential for driving economic growth across our nation.

“Obviously, Governor Perry would not have been my pick to lead the Department of Energy, but I respect his willingness to serve, which is why I voted to support his nomination.”

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