by "Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
Published 03/03/2017 at 12:17
by "Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
Published 03/03/2017 at 12:17
Tags: Rick Perry
STARS: 4
Earlier today the Senate confirmed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as secretary of the department he once vowed to eliminate, reports The Washington Post . Perry was confirmed by a vote of 62-37.
Known by many as the governor with the good hair, Perry was the longest serving governor of the State of Texas. He took the oath of office in 2000 after soon-to-be President George “Dubbya” Bush resigned.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who voted in favor of Perry’s confirmation, released a statement shortly after the news broke. “Under Governor Perry’s leadership, the Texas economy soared. And thanks to his commonsense approach to regulation and support for thoughtful innovation, Texas became a state where all energy producers could thrive,” Cornyn said.
“Under Secretary Perry’s guidance, I have no doubt the Department of Energy will pursue an all of the above strategy that will lead to the next great era of American energy.”
It’s true that Texas is an energy industry-friendly state. And during his long tenure, Perry did his part to ensure such would continue to remain true. Texas is, as one of its mottos states, “wide open for business,” after all.
The state’s 27 refineries made it the ninth leading producer of oil in 2014— Perry’s last year as governor — with approximately 3.2 million barrels produced per day.
That’s ninth globally.
Texas is also the nation’s leading producer of wind power , and one of the top wind energy producers worldwide.
Midway through Perry’s tenure, a portion of south Texas got its turn at the state’s boom-or-bust energy lottery with the beginning of the Eagle Ford Shale boom in 2007. Towns sprang up all across the ranch lands south and east of San Antonio to capitalize on the shale fracking bonanza. Though the industry took a hit in 2015, it’s begun showing signs of bouncing back.
Wishing to waste little, savvy energy tycoons soon began to pounce on another opportunity: the natural gas that’s also created via the fracking process. With Texas producing an excess of natural gas, new energy companies have scrambled to begin the arduous permitting process which will allow them to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) abroad.
Currently, only one terminal in Louisiana is operational, but about half a dozen LNG companies in Texas with billion dollar valuations are currently in the process of seeking approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to begin constructing export terminals of their own.
Though Texas has many industrial ports which make it an enticing location to build (Houston, Freeport, Corpus Christi and Brownsville all come to mind), there’s another reason LNG companies (and other energy companies) want to build here: we like to give them ridiculously massive tax breaks.
HUGE tax breaks. Nearly unbelievable tax breaks.
One such way companies are incentivized to build here is via the State’s largest corporate welfare tax program known as the Texas Economic Development Act, or Chapter 313 (after the chapter number where it can be found in the State’s tax code).
Chapter 313 allows school districts to offer large incentives and ostensibly get those businesses to commit to job creation and salary numbers in exchange.
Per the linked article at the Texas Observer:
Under the law, if a school district grants a tax break for a desirable new project, the state is obliged to cover the difference.
And:
In most cases, Chapter 313 deals are both a windfall for companies and a way for school districts to turn a neat profit. When districts sign away millions in corporate tax breaks, the state of Texas pays them back and lets them negotiate side deals with the company worth millions more.
There are no limits to the incentives that can be offered. Nor have many companies done much to assuage their opponents’ fears in regards to how many jobs they’ll create. Some promise zero jobs.
Chapter 313 has left the State of Texas on the hook to repay over $7 billion from its general fund.
Texas is the perfect growth medium for a person like Perry who, until recently , outright denied that climate change exists. As Mother Jones reported in December of last year , Perry once wrote that “we have been experiencing a cooling trend,” and referred to climate change science as “so-called science.”
None of that bodes well when the current presidential administration has also taken significant strides to neuter environmental protections and industry regulations. Already, the administration has relaxed regulations on the coal industry , has moved forward with the Dakota Access Pipeline and has threatened to severely hamstring or even abolish the EPA .
With all of that in mind, one has to wonder how Energy Secretary Perry will wreak havoc on a national scale. What will his “all of the above strategy,” as Cornyn calls it, mean on this much larger platform?
It’ll be a heyday for some, for a very select few. And those left to pay the price will be the communities who can no longer rely on the federal government for recourse in safeguarding their environment, their jobs or their wages.
Top image courtesy Texas Monthly .
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
03/02/2017 at 18:04, STARS: 6
governor with the good hair
I understand this reference
"EisenBolan, SJW" (eisenbolan)
03/02/2017 at 18:14, STARS: 2
Molly Ivins must be writing from beyond the grave “from Texas Governor to twice failed presidential candidate to failed Dancing With The Stars gig to Secretary of Energy that is why good hair is so important”.
"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
03/02/2017 at 18:17, STARS: 1
I’m interested to see what happens. It will probably mean cheap energy. That’s generally great for economies but a negative for environments.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
03/02/2017 at 18:23, STARS: 6
“Glasses make me smart.”
"Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire" (arch-duke-maxyenko)
03/02/2017 at 18:24, STARS: 10
"bubblestheturtle" (bubblestheturtle)
03/02/2017 at 18:26, STARS: 0
“...Perry who,
until recently
, outright denied that climate change exists.” To be honest, he denied that the climate existed prior to that.
"nermal" (nermal)
03/02/2017 at 18:28, STARS: 3
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I get the idea behind corporate tax breaks - The company commits to build something, bringing in more jobs or people with jobs that spend money and pay taxes. If everything works out, there is a positive net economic benefit for the area. It’s not different than sports teams getting a break for a stadium. I don’t see a problem with companies negotiating with different locations where they are looking to invest a large amount of $$$ either.
It’s good that TX has a large amount of renewable energy as well. Solar power should increase there and across the rest of the US as costs for it continue to come down.
The degree (ha!) that environmental regulations are reduced under his watch is concerning. We don’t want China or Mexico levels of industrial pollution, that’s for sure.
Also, I agree with his (updated) stance on climate change from the article you linked -
“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. The question is how do we address it in a thoughtful way that doesn’t compromise economic growth, the affordability of energy or American jobs,” Perry said.
Like anything complex, there is a balance point to be found. Whether or not he can execute on that ideal is TBD.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/02/2017 at 18:29, STARS: 0
I thought about using that image, but I didn’t want to rustle the “political content” jimmies of a certain mod, so I went with the safe-yet-still-funny photo.
"Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire" (arch-duke-maxyenko)
03/02/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 16
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/02/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 1
Dis why I like you, Arch Duke.
"Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire" (arch-duke-maxyenko)
03/02/2017 at 18:35, STARS: 25
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/02/2017 at 18:41, STARS: 1
I agree with his analysis. Perry does understand the energy industry. In that respect, he is a good choice. The extent to which he will work to safeguard the environment is a secondary, but still important concern. If he can continue to promote alternate energy because it makes good business sense, the environment will benefit as a side effect. Really, the only way renewables will ever grow is if they make good business.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
03/02/2017 at 18:49, STARS: 2
At least he knows what the DoE does now. /silverlinings
"gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
03/02/2017 at 18:59, STARS: 3
Depending on fossil fuel revenue is a great way to end up with a mega economy crash when the price of oil drops you off the market. It’s not just environmentally unsustainable, but also economically so. Lots more Hurtin’ Albertans right now than just Corb Lund.
You’re also talking to an audience of people who largely consume what some would call excessive amounts of fossil fuels through their driving habits... my Jeep’s been doing 14mpg recently, and it’s not suggesting there’s anything wrong with it either.
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
03/02/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 0
Ok, this actually made me laugh. Wonderful job.
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
03/02/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 0
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
03/02/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 1
Ah, Rick Perry. The guy who couldn’t be bothered to show his president any respect when he visited Texas.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
03/02/2017 at 22:11, STARS: 2
“Just the tip”
"IAN_Z" (theonline)
03/02/2017 at 22:23, STARS: 2
My favorite part about this is how he once proposed eliminating the DOE after forgetting its name and what it did.
"SkipperZipper" (skipperzipper)
03/02/2017 at 23:21, STARS: 4
It is unsettling that I find Rick Perry, with his lack of environmental stewardship, cronyism, and full tilt ineptitude, to be the least scary (non military) cabinet member.
Compared to Trump, Sessions, DeVos, Carson, Kushner, Bannon et al, Rick Perry seems like a damned statesman.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/02/2017 at 23:39, STARS: 2
Yeah. I know exactly what you mean, though. With Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton now in control of Texas I’ve often found myself missing the relatively normal, tame (but still awfully conservative) Rick Perry. :/
"CRider" (crider)
03/03/2017 at 00:38, STARS: 2
Protecting the environment is the primary , not secondary, purpose of the EPA. It’s supposed to push sustainable energy, not just yell ‘drill, baby, drill!’ until the oil/coal companies decide they’ve made enough easy money and decide to invest in alternatives.
"spanfucker retire bitch" (lelykon)
03/03/2017 at 08:16, STARS: 1
Just gonna leave this here.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/03/2017 at 11:59, STARS: 0
Perry was named as head of the Energy Department, not the EPA.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
03/03/2017 at 12:20, STARS: 0
I thought we were all making a conscious effort not to post political stuff anymore?
"fintail" (fintail)
03/03/2017 at 12:23, STARS: 1
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 0
Who’s “we”?
Oppo has always been an off-topic blog and I have followed the rules laid out in the handbook in every post I’ve posted here.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 12:28, STARS: 0
Lol.
I know some people aren’t fans, but I really am.... of his paintings.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 0
Sorry Xyl0, I have no problem with politics on OPPO, but there’s got to be some kind of unwritten rule about not re-sharing a political post...
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 3
Oppo does have rules about resharing posts .
Those rules, in part, state:
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
I originally published this post yesterday evening, after EOB. This is the first and only time I have updated the time stamp.
In other words, as I said to EssExTee moments ago: “Oppo has always been an off-topic blog and I have followed the rules laid out in the handbook in every post I’ve posted here.”
"fintail" (fintail)
03/03/2017 at 12:38, STARS: 0
But remember, it’s only the Ds who won’t reach across the aisle and cooperate with their opposition counterparts.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
Also... I have to ask: did you even read the post? Except for one instance of very mild sarcasm (“governor with the good hair”), the entire post is factual, well-sourced and pretty much just an overview of the Texas energy industry and Perry’s governorship. It’s only the last two grafs where there I’ve offered my own opinion —and mildly, at that — in the form of a question that essentially asks “what’s gonna happen now?”
"Jcarr" (jcarr)
03/03/2017 at 12:54, STARS: 0
I think the only directive from the mods was to make sure the post was explicitly identified as political, which this one is.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 0
So, I’ve seen several discussions in reference to this rule, as I originally read it as you read it, but what I’ve gathered from the discussions with some mods (maybe they’re split on this) is that the true meaning is that there be only one “share” to OPPO per post, except in the cases listed. “Original publication” refers to it going up on your personal blog, and the one share is to OPPO in the first place. Granted, most of us just post directly to OPPO, so it’s easy to read the above as “post it to OPPO, and then you get one additional share to OPPO”, but I know of at least a few mods who don’t see it that way (been a long time since those conversations, so I don’t recall who the discussion was with).
Don’t get me wrong, I think Perry is a doofus, that Trump is a national disgrace, and I’ve posted plenty of political stuff here. But I respect others here who would like OPPO to be a politics-free zone. The preferred method of posting politics seems to include a buffer image and text as a courtesy for those who just want to pass over it. Following the letter of the law (rules) is one thing, but one could argue that re-sharing a political post which some don’t have any desire to read is just annoying, and not being excellent to your fellow OPPOs...
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 12:57, STARS: 0
I’m not criticizing the post, just questioning the share.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 1
I know the mods have discussed this before. In the past, they’ve clarified that one bump for the evening crowd (if you shared in the morning) or for the morning crowd (if the original was at night) is ok.
Also, in regards to buffers, the rules state buffers should be used for sensitive material. A photograph from Texas Monthly, a magazine that graces the checkout aisles of grocery stores across the state, and two sentences that constitute a factual statement about news reported by a national media outlet, are not sensitive material.
I’ll be blunt: how much of your objecting is because I shared this post once and how much is because I wrote this post at all?
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 1
And I’ve explained to you how I’ve done everything I can to follow the rules set here on Oppo. But you’re not the first person to lament my rule-following political posts. There are several other such posts by other authors which have been posted within the last 24 hours alone. None of them have comments like yours or EssExTee’s.
And the mods, very recently, have upheld that this place will remain off-topic.
Here’s pauljones speaking on the subject just 11 days after the inauguration (emphasis his):
I’ve been seeing a lot of political posts lately, and a lot of posts about people complaining about political posts. In light of that, I think it’s about time something was made damned clear: Oppositelock is, has been, and will continue to be an off-topic form. Period. End of story.
It can be argued that the thrust of Oppositelock is about cars and automotive culture, and that argument would be absolutely correct. What would be absolutely incorrect is to use that as a basis for asserting that non-automotive-related posts are unwelcome. Once again, Oppositelock is, has been, and will continue to be an off-topic form. Period. End of story.
In case that’s unclear, allow me to clarify: Political posts are allowed on Oppositelock. If you do not want to read a political post, then do not click on said political post. Do not respond to it. Do not react to it. If you demand that others be less sensitive, accept things as they are, and move on, then set an example and live by what you preach.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 13:13, STARS: 0
Okay - if that’s the accepted norm presently (bumps for morning/evening are perfectly okay), then I’m good. I just knew that was happening A TON at one point, and I thought they’d tried to cut back on it at some point.
Once again, I’m not talking hard rules - I’m talking respect to fellow Oppos who don’t care to see politics here. An innocuous headline (like yours definitely is) to let readers know the content, plus a image of [anything - a car, puppies, etc] and the buffer text of “Politics inside.” seems to be a very respected way to post stuff of a political nature here (I’ve been vocally anti-Trump ever since he announced his candidacy - I’m sure I have not always abided by this). Those who want to talk politics can go inside, and those that don’t get a nice photo as they pass by.
I have zero issues with this post.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 13:17, STARS: 0
Xyl0 - once again, as clearly as I can state it, I have no problem with your post.
I just could see how (for someone who isn’t interested in seeing politics here at all), a share of a political post could really grate on their nerves.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 13:18, STARS: 2
I’m glad you have zero issues with this post. I’m glad we’ve spent nearly an hour establishing that you have zero issues with this post.
Cheers, mate! And have a good weekend.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 13:21, STARS: 0
Really - an hour?!
Back at you, kid.
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
Who you callin’ kid, son?
^_~
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 13:26, STARS: 1
I’m 39 - could I be your son? =)
Perhaps you couldn’t be my kid, either, but perhaps my kid sister...
"Xyl0c41n3" (i-am-xyl0c41n3)
03/03/2017 at 13:40, STARS: 1
I’d be your annoying kid sister. But only by a few years.
Also, I was riffing off that joke, “Who you calling friend, pal?”
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
03/03/2017 at 17:08, STARS: 0
Annoying each other is how we show love in my family - ha!
Not really, but definitely by making fun of each other! Light-heartedly, of course.