Energy choice Perry steps away from Dakota Access pipeline

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he has stepped down from the boards of two energy companies that are developing the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project.

Perry, who is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for energy secretary, said in a letter to ethics officials that he resigned Dec. 31 from Energy Transfer Partners LP and Sunoco Logistics Partners LP.

The two companies are developing the proposed 1,200-mile crude oil pipeline that has stoked mass protests in North Dakota.