Gov. Perry speaks at energy event

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gov. Rick Perry gave the keynote address at the 25th annual Texas Renewables conference in South Austin Monday. He began his speech by saying the Lone Star state has it right.

"I tell people that's what you call 'The Texas Way,'" said Perry.

He spoke about the importance of all forms of renewable energy from solar to wind power.

"We are all in this together," said Perry. "We are all struggling to find energy independence together. I think it's a way to make our nation safer."

Conference organizers were excited to have Perry speak at their energy event.

"It shows that the governor recognizes the importance of this industry to the state and step up and encourage it in whatever ways he can," said Russel Smith, Texas Renewable Energy Industries executive director.

Some 400 business and government leaders from around the world are learning about the Texas green scene at this three-day event.

"We keep sending the message that Texas isn't going to lose its legendary place as a leader," said Perry. "Together we keep spreading the word of the Texas success story."

At this 25th annual energy conference, the goal is to bring in even more business for Texas through renewable resources for the next 25 years.

"We're celebrating the fact that we've come a long way in that 25-year period of time to find ourselves as the leading state in the production of wind energy and laying the groundwork in solar, biomass and geothermal," said Smith.

Through this event, organizers are optimistic the state's natural energy future is sunny.