Remarks by President Trump on America’s Environmental Leadership | Eastern North Carolina Now

    THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, David.

    I got to know this one, David. You, I didn't know, but I got to know this one. He's a tough competitor on the campaign trail. He wanted this position. And we fought and we fought, and I said, "You know, I want him someday. If I win, I'm going to get him in some capacity." (Laughter.) And who's better to get than a man who successfully ran Texas for 12 years? Is that what it is? Twelve years, right? A long time. Great state. And you did a great job.

    So I said, "I want Rick Perry working for us." And he knows more about energy than anybody. Come on up, Rick. (Applause.)

    SECRETARY PERRY: Thank you. Mr. President, I want to tell you that last Thursday was a big day for me. In the morning, I got to welcome my first grandson into the world. (Applause.)

    And that afternoon, I got to watch the President of the United States give one of the greatest history lessons that I have ever seen before and to celebrate the American military like I'd never seen it celebrated before. I am proud to be standing with you, proud to be working in this Cabinet with these men and women. This is a great moment for America. It's a great moment for America for a lot of reasons. (Applause.)

    And today, I'm really proud to get to stand up here in front of America - and of the world, for that matter - as they watch this, and to recognize how important today is because the chance to tell a story that often doesn't get told in a proper way, and a story about what this administration is doing to clean up the environment; what this administration is doing on policies that are having an effect on our environment.

    At the Department of Energy, we have championed both the historic development of our nation's resources and the technological breakthroughs that are just literally cascading across this country in ways to use energy more cleanly, more efficiently, than anyone ever thought possible before.

    We know that by investing in innovative solutions - like carbon capture, utilization, sequestration, zero emission works like our nuclear power, exporting those technologies to other countries and - we're being able to share our technologies around the world of cleaner energy without singling - I mean, without surrendering one single fuel, one iota of growth, one iota of opportunity. That's what this President is all about. That's your record, Mr. President.

    We're seeing, on your watch, America become the number-one producer of oil and gas in the world. (Applause.) We're seeing emissions being reduced around the world. I was with some of our friends from the European Union, and reminding them about what you're being able to do in this country with the innovation. We're being able to deliver liquefied natural gas to them so they can move away from these dirty or burning old, inefficient plants, and bring a cleaner environment to those countries.


    You know, it's our national labs at the Department of Energy. Elaine, we've talked about this, and you've seen this through your years where this technology - this technological revolution that is occurring. And we're not only increasing our energy supply, but we're making it cleaner. We're doing it in a way that the world is enjoying with us.

    So - and at your direction, Mr. President, DOE launched, as you mentioned earlier, the Water Security Grand Challenge. Using the power of competition, the Water Security Grand Challenge will spur innovation and advances in transformational technology that are going to meet the global need for safe, affordable, beautiful crystal-clear water. (Applause.)

    And, Mr. President, it's been your policies, it's been your focus, that greater energy security for America while at the same time enhancing our environmental stewardship. I think the world needs to look at your leadership. Look at what you've done.

    You know, for too long, there's been this conventional wisdom that you've got to choose between economic growth and environmental protection. That's a false choice, and it's one that you've talked about, Mr. President. It's always been this country, and this country that leads - just like you reminded people last Thursday - the greatness of America, the innovation of America. And the future of this world will rely greatly upon America and this administration.

    Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity. (Applause.)

    THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

    SECRETARY PERRY: Yes, sir.

    THE PRESIDENT: And what Rick has done with our nuclear supply - nuclear energy, and all forms nuclear - has been absolutely incredible in very a short period of time. I want to thank you. That's fantastic. So important the job you're doing. Thank you very much, Rick.

    When I ran for President, I pledged a strong, growing economy and a healthy environment because I believe that we can pursue both at the same time.

    We have only one America. We have only one planet. That's why, every day of my presidency, we will fight for a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for every one of our great citizens. Above all, we will remain loyal to the American people and be faithful stewards of God's glorious creation, from sea to shining sea.

    Thank you all very much for being here. God bless you. And God bless America. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you.

END  •  4:23 P.M. EDT
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