Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry sworn in as secretary of the Department of Energy

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been sworn in as President Donald Trump's energy secretary.

The oath as administered at the White House by Vice President Mike Pence. While running for president, Perry once pledged to eliminate the Energy Department.

He has since repeatedly promised to be an advocate for the agency, to protect the nation's nuclear stockpile and to rely on federal scientists, including those who work on climate change.