Watch CBS News

Texas Governor Rick Perry Visits California In Push For Tesla Battery Factory

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry held up his own state as a model for responsible energy production and economic growth in California.

In prepared remarks for a speech before the Commonwealth Club on Wednesday evening, Perry said he believes Texas is leading the way in achieving energy independence by producing crude oil and electricity in many forms, including solar power.

Perry also suggested that deregulating electricity had started a boom for renewable energy in Texas, which he called the nation's leading developer of wind energy.

Perry said shale drilling techniques had doubled oil production in Texas, and he urged Californians to tap the full energy potential in its Monterey Shale.

On Tuesday, Perry drove up to California's state capital in a Tesla Model S electric car—underscoring his desire to lure a Tesla battery factory to Texas.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.