Texas' Perry Says States Should Handle Energy Subsidies

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is telling Iowa Republicans he'd prefer that states, rather than the federal government, handle energy subsidies.

Perry spoke at an agricultural policy forum in Des Moines Saturday that drew several 2016 GOP presidential hopefuls. Asked about supporting federal subsidies or tax credits for renewable fuels and wind energy, Perry said he philosophically felt that such decisions should addressed by the states.

A 2007 law increases the volume of renewables blended into transportation fuel to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The federal Environmental Protection Agency in 2013 proposed reducing the increase. Leaders from both parties in Iowa say that would hurt the state's economy.

Others on the program included former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

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