Perry slashed environmental enforcement in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry likes to say the best way to promote economic growth is to reduce regulation. As governor of Texas, he's keeping environmental rules to a minimum.

In the past year Perry has cut funding for clean air programs and sued the Environmental Protection Agency to avoid enforcing clean air laws. And he routinely blasts the White House for tightening environmental standards, signaling what he would do if elected president.

He cut the budget for Texas' environmental watchdog by a third. That translates to 11 percent fewer inspections. He also signed a law in June that requires Texas to consider the effect of new regulations on the economy before passing changes.

However, government and business data show little evidence that regulation costs a significant number of jobs.