DENVER -- Western Governors sent letters to Congress today supporting the accelerated deployment of renewable energy projects on federal lands and calling for sharing of renewable energy royalty revenues with impacted states and counties.
DENVER -- Drought conditions remain in much of the West, but improvement is likely for Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, according to the most recent Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook.
Leaders in the water and energy sectors will convene in Denver on April 2 to identify growing needs and potential for collaboration during a workshop on the energy-water nexus.Registration is now open to the public at the Western States Water Council's website.
SALT LAKE CITY - When it comes to developing a cogent, bipartisan national energy strategy, Western governors are not leaving it to Washington. That was one of the key messages today at the Utah Energy Development Summit hosted by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, Chairman of the Western Governors' Association.
"From each employee who brings home a paycheck, to the millions of dollars in economic impact, the energy industry is a vital component of a strong and growing economy," Governor Herbert said. "In all our efforts working together to advance the energy future of western states, our ultimate goal is responsible, balanced development of the energy resources."
DENVER -- The Western Governors’ Wildlife Council (WGWC) is advancing its effort to develop a west-wide Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool, the Wildlife Council announced today.
By finalizing a contract with Applied Geographics, a firm that specializes in creating user-friendly interfaces for complex GIS data, the Wildlife Council has set the wheels in motion for an online wildlife mapping tool that will debut by December 2013. The viewer will display information on important wildlife habitat and corridors across 16 western states in the WGWC’s Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool, or CHAT.
DENVER -- Following is a statement released today by the Governors of five Western states on a federal proposal to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species. Governors signing the document were John Hickenlooper (Colo.), Sam Brownback (Kan.), Susana Martinez (N.M.), Mary Fallin (Okla.), and Rick Perry (Texas).
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Speaking at the National Drought Forum held here today, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback emphasized the critical importance of water resources in the arid West and actions states have taken or that are needed to be adequately prepared.
"The moderate to exceptional drought conditions we've seen this year in Kansas and throughout much of the West are hurting communities, economies, agriculture and the quality of life," Brownback said. "Drought impacts next year could be far more severe, especially given the reservoir storage in many basins has been depleted. In Kansas, we revised our drought operations plan; identified tools to meet emergency water needs; and looked for ways we could better prepare for the next drought.
DENVER -- Western governors today called on Congress to extend the Production Tax Credit for wind energy rather than let it expire at the end of December.
In a letter to the U.S. House and Senate leaders, Western governors said that extending the credit now is critical to achieving the country's clean energy goals, building the nation's manufacturing base, creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and strengthening domestic energy security.
Western Governors' Association Selects James D. Ogsbury as its New Executive Director
Drought likely to continue, according to WGA and NOAA 'Outlook' on weather and climate
Western Governors Looking for Youth to be Outdoor Recreation Advocates
Wyoming Launches Wildlife, Natural Resources Mapping Tool as Part of Larger WGA Effort
Western Governors Praise Firefighters, Urge Congressional Action on Forest Management
WGA and NOAA Release Climate Impacts and Outlook' to Assist States as they Prepare for and Respond to Drought, Extreme Weather
Governors Talk Increasing International Tourism, Agricultural Exports
Utah Gov. Herbert Elected WGA Chair,
Hickenlooper of Colorado Vice Chair
Outdoor Recreation a $646 Billion National Industry
Western States $256 Billion Industry
Gov. Chris Gregoire Tackles Weather and Climate Risk at Regional Forum
WGA Executive Director Announces Retirement
BLM to Use State, Regional Data in Identifying Wildlife Corridors, Crucial Habitat
Government, Industry & Land Conservation Groups Tout Use of New State Wildlife Mapping Tools
Congress Urged to Continue Support for Rural Communities, Restoration of Nation's Forests
Wildlife Mapping, Planning Tools Available Online in Three Western States
Get Out West and Lend a Hand - National Public Lands Day 9-24