Western Renewable Energy Zones

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the WGA $12 million to assist the 11 states within the Western Interconnection in planning for new transmission while considering such factors as future demand, a diverse mix of resources, environmental concerns and greater energy efficiency.

A number of scenarios for potential new transmission will be developed and evaluated on how each one may affect water supplies, wildlife, landscapes and state economies. WGA has been working to implement numerous stakeholder recommendations from the WREZ Phase 1 report.  For details, visit the WREZ Web site. 

Western Governors Wildlife Council

The Western Governors’ Wildlife Council is working to develop tools and strategies that will assist states in identifying crucial wildlife habitat and corridors.  A new Stakeholder Advisory Group is being formed to serve as a sounding board as the Council works to develop regionally compatible wildlife Decision Support Systems within each state and other work products. The DSS is a mapping tool intended to help decision-makers balance development with protecting key wildlife habitat and corridors.  Gov. Schweitzer highlights the benefits of the Montana DSS in the clip below.  To receive updates on the Council's work and future meetings, click on the e-mail or Twitter links at the bottom of this page.