The AHRI has sent a letter to U.S. senators asking them to support President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as energy secretary.

“During his tenure as governor of Texas, Mr. Perry worked tirelessly to promote job growth and energy security within his state," says the Jan. 10 letter, signed by Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute President and CEO Stephen Yurek. "His understanding of the energy economy and its relationship to economic growth will serve the nation well as the next secretary." 

Because "many of the HVACR products and equipment manufactured by our member companies are regulated ... it is important that the secretary... understand the importance of ensuring that the regulatory process operates fairly and consistently for all stakeholders,” Yurek says in the letter.

The AHRI represents most of the major North American manufacturers of HVAC market equipment.

Hearings on Perry's confirmation are scheduled for Jan. 19.